NPTE-PTA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NPTE-PTA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The rule of nines estimates burn surface area. The entire head and neck accounts for: → 9%
2. Which wheelchair type is MOST appropriate for a patient with strong upper extremities who prioritizes independent self-propulsion? → Ultra-lightweight manual wheelchair
3. Clubbing of the fingers is associated with: → Chronic hypoxia from cardiopulmonary disease
4. Which gait deviation is most characteristic of a patient with foot drop? → Steppage gait
5. Which functional mobility task is used to assess fall risk in the elderly: Timed Up and Go (TUG) test? → Rise from chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, sit
6. Paraffin bath treatment temperature is typically set between: → 47–54°C (118–130°F)
7. Which breathing pattern is characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes respiration? → Cyclic crescendo-decrescendo with apneic pauses
8. Which stretching technique uses alternating contraction and relaxation to increase ROM? → Contract-relax PNF stretching
9. A patient post-CVA has difficulty recognizing objects by touch with eyes closed. This is called: → Astereognosis
10. Moist heat packs are applied for a typical duration of: → 10–20 minutes
11. Which sign indicates arterial insufficiency in the lower extremity? → Dependent rubor with elevation pallor
12. A PTA notes bilateral crackles at lung bases on auscultation. This finding most likely indicates: → Pulmonary edema or heart failure
13. A patient with a 2-point crutch gait moves: → One crutch and the contralateral lower extremity simultaneously
14. A tilt-in-space wheelchair differs from a reclining wheelchair because tilt-in-space systems: → Rotate the entire seating system while maintaining the seat-to-back angle
15. An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) that prevents plantarflexion while permitting dorsiflexion is MOST beneficial for a patient with: → Foot drop during the swing phase of gait
16. Normal hip abduction range of motion is approximately: → 30–45°
17. Iontophoresis is used to deliver medication transdermally using: → Direct electrical current
18. Which developmental milestone is typically achieved at 9–10 months of age? → Pulling to stand
19. Which anatomical structure is most commonly involved in a rotator cuff tear? → Supraspinatus
20. Which cranial nerve is tested by the gag reflex? → CN IX and X
21. The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) primarily measures: → Functional exercise capacity and endurance
22. Pressure-relieving wheelchair cushions are MOST critical for patients with: → Sensory deficits and impaired self-repositioning ability
23. A patient has non-weight-bearing (NWB) status on the right lower extremity and is using axillary crutches. Which gait pattern is MOST appropriate? → 3-point gait
24. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is MOST appropriate for which patient goal? → Reduction of chronic low back pain
25. Normal resting respiratory rate for an adult is: → 12–20 breaths/min
26. The recommended progression of resistance training for a deconditioned patient follows: → Muscular endurance → hypertrophy → strength → power
27. Goniometry measures: → Joint range of motion
28. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) below 0.5 indicates: → Severe arterial insufficiency with rest pain risk
29. Which exercise is most appropriate for improving scapular stabilization? → Prone Y, T, W exercises
30. A patient with Parkinson's disease demonstrates micrographia and bradykinesia. Which brain structure is primarily affected? → Basal ganglia (substantia nigra)