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Free Physical Therapist Licensure Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Physical Therapist Licensure Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A physical therapist is preparing to administer a 6-minute walk test to a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and must choose a corridor in the clinic. According to the ERS/ATS technical standard for field walking tests, what is the minimum recommended length of the straight walking course?

    1. A. 10 m
    2. B. 20 m
    3. C. 30 m
    4. D. 45 m

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The ERS/ATS technical standard specifies that "It is recommended that the walking course be 30 m or more in length, to be consistent with the courses on which reference equations have been generated." Course length determines how many turns the patient must make, and turning slows walking speed, so a shorter corridor systematically lowers the measured distance and makes it non-comparable with published reference values. Twenty metres and ten metres are both course lengths found in clinical use, but neither matches the courses from which the reference equations were derived.

    Reference: untitled — Section 1440

  2. 2A patient reports numbness and tingling in the hand. To decide whether the distribution fits compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which area should the physical therapist expect the symptoms to involve?

    1. A. The palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger
    2. B. The palm, little finger, ring finger, and the ulnar border of the middle finger
    3. C. The dorsal web space, thumb, index finger, and the radial border of the forearm
    4. D. The entire palm and all five digits, together with the volar surface of the wrist

    Answer: A

    Explanation: MedlinePlus states that the median nerve typically provides feeling and movement to the thumb side of the hand, and that "This includes feeling in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger." Sensory testing is interpreted against this territory, which is why a complaint confined to it supports median nerve involvement. The little finger and ulnar half of the ring finger are ulnar nerve territory, the dorsal web space is radial nerve territory, and symptoms in all five digits suggest a more proximal or systemic cause.

    Reference: Carpal tunnel syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, 'Carpal tunnel syndrome', section 'Causes'

  3. 3A physical therapist examines the sacrum of a patient confined to bed and finds an intact but reddened, painful area that stays red when pressed. Which stage of pressure injury does this finding represent?

    1. A. Stage I
    2. B. Stage II
    3. C. Stage III
    4. D. Stage IV

    Answer: A

    Explanation: MedlinePlus defines Stage I as "A reddened, painful area on the skin that does not turn white (blanch) when pressed. This is a sign that a pressure ulcer may be forming." The skin is still intact, which is what separates this stage from Stage II, where "The skin blisters or forms an open sore." Stage III involves an open, sunken crater with damage to tissue below the skin, and Stage IV extends to muscle and bone. Non-blanching redness of intact skin is therefore the earliest stage the therapist can identify.

    Reference: How to care for pressure sores: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, 'How to care for pressure sores', section 'Symptoms', 4 stages of pressure sores

  4. 4A patient with type 1 diabetes becomes shaky, sweaty, and confused midway through a gait training session. At what blood glucose reading does the NIDDK say low blood glucose is generally present for many people with diabetes?

    1. A. Lower than 70 mg/dL
    2. B. Lower than 100 mg/dL
    3. C. Lower than 55 mg/dL
    4. D. Lower than 130 mg/dL

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The NIDDK states that low blood glucose "occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below what is healthy for you. For many people with diabetes, this means a blood glucose reading lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)," adding that the individual number may differ and should be confirmed with the care team. Recognising the threshold matters because the symptoms described here are the mild-to-moderate presentation the source lists, and the therapist must act before the severe stage is reached.

    Reference: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia) - NIDDK — NIDDK, 'Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)', section 'What is low blood glucose?'

  5. 5A patient reports that urine leaks when she coughs, sneezes, or lifts a box at work, but never with a sudden urge. Which type of urinary incontinence does the NIDDK describe in these terms?

    1. A. Stress incontinence
    2. B. Urgency incontinence
    3. C. Overflow incontinence
    4. D. Functional incontinence

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The NIDDK states that "Stress incontinence occurs when an action—coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical activity—puts pressure on your bladder and causes urine to leak." The defining feature is that a rise in abdominal pressure, not a sensation of urgency, triggers the leak. This distinction determines the plan of care, because a pressure-triggered leak points to the pelvic floor's ability to resist load, which the same source states can be trained.

    Reference: Symptoms & Causes of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) - NIDDK — NIDDK, 'Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) - Symptoms & Causes', section on stress incontinence

  6. 6A physical therapist presses a thumb into the swollen forearm of a patient treated for breast cancer and a dent remains in the skin. According to the NCI, what does this finding indicate about the swelling?

    1. A. It is consistent with lymphedema, in which pressing may leave a dent that remains
    2. B. It excludes lymphedema, since pressing on lymphedema never leaves a dent at any stage
    3. C. It indicates advanced lymphedema, since a dent appears only after the tissue hardens
    4. D. It indicates arterial insufficiency, since a dent appears only when perfusion is reduced

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The NCI lists among the signs of lymphedema: "Swelling. When you press on the swollen area, a dent may remain in the skin. However, as lymphedema gets worse, pressing on the swollen area may no longer leave a dent." The pitting response is therefore an expected finding earlier in the condition and is lost as it advances, which is the opposite of what option C states. The therapist should record whether pitting is present, since its disappearance signals progression rather than improvement.

    Reference: Nci Lymphedema Patient Pdq — NCI, 'Lymphedema (PDQ) - Patient Version', section 'What are symptoms of lymphedema?'

  7. 7A physical therapist must select a walking aid for a patient who needs more support than a cane provides but less than a walker. According to the federal device classification, how much weight support is a crutch intended to provide?

    1. A. Minimal to moderate weight support while walking
    2. B. Minimal weight support while walking
    3. C. Moderate weight support while walking
    4. D. Full weight support while walking

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The federal classification for physical medicine devices states that "A crutch is a device intended for medical purposes for use by disabled persons to provide minimal to moderate weight support while walking." The neighbouring sections define the graded alternatives: "A cane is a device intended for medical purposes that is used to provide minimal weight support while walking," and a mechanical walker is intended "to provide moderate weight support while walking." The crutch therefore spans the range between the two, which is what makes it the intermediate selection.

    Reference: FDA 21 CFR 890 Pm Devices — 21 CFR § 890.3150 Crutch, paragraph (a); compare § 890.3075 Cane and § 890.3825 Mechanical walker

  8. 8A physical therapist selects a silica gel pack heated in a hydrocollator for a patient with muscle guarding. According to the federal device classification, what kind of heat therapy does a moist heat pack provide?

    1. A. Moist heat therapy for body surfaces, from silica gel in a fabric container
    2. B. Dry heat therapy for body surfaces, from an electrically powered element
    3. C. Deep heat within body tissues, from energy applied at ultrasonic frequency
    4. D. Topical heating, from energy emitted at infrared frequencies by a lamp

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The federal classification states that "A moist heat pack is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of silica gel in a fabric container used to retain an elevated temperature and that provides moist heat therapy for body surfaces." The neighbouring sections define the alternatives: a powered heating pad "provides dry heat therapy for body surfaces," an infrared lamp "emits energy at infrared frequencies (approximately 700 nanometers to 50,000 nanometers) to provide topical heating," and ultrasonic diathermy generates deep heat within tissue. All four are surface or deep heating agents, but only one matches this description.

    Reference: FDA 21 CFR 890 Pm Devices — 21 CFR § 890.5730 Moist heat pack, paragraph (a); compare § 890.5740 Powered heating pad and § 890.5500 Infrared lamp

  9. 9A physical therapist assistant has carried out an intervention visit. According to APTA documentation guidelines, who must document, date, and authenticate the physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care?

    1. A. The physical therapist who performs the service
    2. B. The physical therapist assistant who delivered the visit
    3. C. Either clinician, provided a countersignature is added later
    4. D. The clinic's administrative staff, from the clinician's notes

    Answer: A

    Explanation: APTA documentation guidelines state that physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care including interventions "shall be documented, dated, and authenticated by the physical therapist who performs the service." The requirement follows from the division of responsibility set out in the direction and supervision policy, under which evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and development of the plan of care are borne solely by the physical therapist. A countersignature does not transfer authorship of those elements.

    Reference: Apta Documentation Guidelines — APTA, 'Physical Therapy Documentation of Patient/Client Management', general guidelines on authentication

  10. 10A physical therapist is appraising a study in which participants were allocated to two treatment arms by chance. According to the NCI, what does using chance to form the groups accomplish?

    1. A. The groups will be similar, so the effects of the treatments can be compared more fairly
    2. B. The groups will be identical in size, so the statistical test will have equal power in each arm
    3. C. The investigators will be unaware of the allocation, so measurement bias is eliminated entirely
    4. D. The participants will be representative of the population, so the findings generalize to all patients

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The NCI defines a randomized clinical trial as "A study in which the participants are divided by chance into separate groups that compare different treatments or other interventions," and explains that "Using chance to divide people into groups means that the groups will be similar and that the effects of the treatments they receive can be compared more fairly." Randomization addresses comparability of the groups at baseline. Blinding, equal group sizes, and external generalizability are separate design features that randomization does not by itself secure.

    Reference: Definition of randomized clinical trial - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms - NCI — NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms, 'randomized clinical trial'

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for Physical Therapist Licensure Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 7-8; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 7-9; Interventions 8-10; total per system 22-27 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to cardiovascular & pulmonary systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., rib cage excursion, breathing pattern)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the cardiovascular & pulmonary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems
    • Interventions — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 14-18; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 15-18; Interventions 15-18; total per system 44-54 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the musculoskeletal system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the musculoskeletal system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to musculoskeletal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the musculoskeletal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the musculoskeletal system
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Joint biomechanics and their applications
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Musculoskeletal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the musculoskeletal system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the musculoskeletal system
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of regenerative medicine (e.g., platelet rich plasma, stem cells) on physical therapy prognosis and interventions related to musculoskeletal diseases/conditions
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Connective tissue diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the connective tissue
    • Interventions — Musculoskeletal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • NEUROMUSCULAR & NERVOUS SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 13-16; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 13-16; Interventions 13-16; total per system 39-48 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the neuromuscular & nervous systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to neuromuscular & nervous systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the neuromuscular & nervous systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS) diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the neuromuscular and nervous systems on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of regenerative medicine (e.g., platelet rich plasma, stem cells) on physical therapy prognosis and interventions related to the neuromuscular and nervous systems
    • Interventions — Neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
    • Interventions — Motor control as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Motor learning as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
  • INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 2-3; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 3-4; Interventions 3-4; total per system 8-11 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the integumentary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the integumentary system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to integumentary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the integumentary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the integumentary system (e.g., friction, shear, pressure, and scar mobility)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Integumentary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the integumentary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the integumentary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the integumentary system
    • Interventions — Integumentary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy and medical/surgical interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • METABOLIC & ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination not allocated; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 2-3; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-6 — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to metabolic & endocrine systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the metabolic & endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Metabolic & endocrine systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the metabolic & endocrine systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the metabolic and endocrine systems on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems
    • Interventions — Metabolic & endocrine systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the metabolic & endocrine systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 1-2; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 3-6 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of gastrointestinal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the gastrointestinal system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the gastrointestinal system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the gastrointestinal system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to gastrointestinal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the gastrointestinal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Gastrointestinal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence (e.g., bowel dysfunction impact questionnaires, Murphy test, Rovsing test, McBurney point sign)
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the gastrointestinal system (e.g., effects of muscular tension or trigger points, positioning for bowel movement)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Gastrointestinal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the gastrointestinal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the gastrointestinal system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the gastrointestinal system
    • Interventions — Gastrointestinal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., positioning for reflux prevention, bowel programs)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GENITOURINARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 0-1; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 2-5 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of genitourinary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the genitourinary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the genitourinary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the genitourinary system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to genitourinary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the genitourinary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Genitourinary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to tests/measures
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Genitourinary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the genitourinary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the genitourinary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the genitourinary system
    • Interventions — Genitourinary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., bladder programs, biofeedback, pelvic floor retraining)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • LYMPHATIC SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 1-2; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-7 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the lymphatic system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the lymphatic system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to lymphatic system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the lymphatic system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the lymphatic system (e.g., compensatory movement, extremity range of motion)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Lymphatic system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the lymphatic system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system
    • Interventions — Lymphatic system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • SYSTEM INTERACTIONS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination not allocated; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 8-10; Interventions not allocated; total per system 8-10 — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions involving system interactions according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system (e.g., cancer, multitrauma, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy) to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of multiple systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat multiple systems, including polypharmacy, on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Impact of comorbidities/coexisting conditions on patient/client management (e.g., diabetes and hypertension; obesity and arthritis; dementia and hip fracture)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Psychological and psychiatric conditions that impact patient/client management (e.g., grief, depression, schizophrenia)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Dimensions of pain (acute or persistent) that impact patient/client management (e.g., psychological, social, physiological, neurological, mechanical)
  • EQUIPMENT, DEVICES, & TECHNOLOGIES — published total per nonsystem 5-6 items — This category refers to the different types of equipment, devices, & technologies, use requirements, and/or contextual determinants, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the selection and application of equipment, devices, & technologies, including consideration of current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of assistive and adaptive devices/technologies (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and positioning devices, mechanical lifts)
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of prosthetic devices/technologies (e.g., lower-extremity and upper-extremity prostheses, microprocessor-controlled prosthetic devices)
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of protective, supportive, and orthotic devices/technologies (e.g., braces, helmets, taping, compression garments, serial casts, shoe inserts, splints)
  • THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES — published total per nonsystem 4-6 items — This category refers to the underlying principles for the use of therapeutic modalities as well as the justification for the selection and use of various types of therapeutic modalities, including consideration of current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of thermal modalities
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of iontophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of electrotherapy modalities, excluding iontophoresis (e.g., neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), interferential therapy, high-voltage pulsed current)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of ultrasound modalities, excluding phonophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of mechanical modalities (e.g., mechanical motion devices, traction devices)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of biofeedback
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of intermittent compression
  • SAFETY & PROTECTION — published total per nonsystem 5-7 items — This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a secure environment.
    • Factors influencing safety and injury prevention (e.g., safe patient handling, fall prevention, equipment maintenance, environmental safety)
    • Function, implications, and related precautions of lines, tubes, catheters, monitoring devices, and mechanical ventilators/oxygen delivery devices
    • Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)
    • Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions, isolation techniques, sterile technique)
    • Signs/symptoms of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect
  • PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES — published total per nonsystem 4-5 items — This category refers to the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a trustworthy environment.
    • Standards of documentation
    • Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA, patient bill of rights)
    • Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)
    • Roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, other health-care professionals, and support staff
    • Standards of professional ethics
    • Standards of billing, coding, and reimbursement
    • Obligations for reporting illegal, unethical, or unprofessional behaviors (e.g., fraud, abuse, neglect)
    • State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and industry standards set by state and accrediting bodies (e.g., state licensing entities, Joint Commission, CARF, CMS)
    • Risk management and quality assurance (e.g., policies and procedures, incident reports, peer chart review)
    • Cultural factors and/or characteristics that affect patient/client management (e.g., language differences, disability, ethnicity, customs, demographics, religion)
    • Socioeconomic factors that affect patient/client management
    • Applications and utilization of health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records)
    • The provision and utilization of telehealth (i.e., the use of telecommunication technologies to provide health care information and services)
  • RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE — published total per nonsystem 3-5 items — This category refers to the application of measurement principles and research methods to make reasoned and appropriate assessment and to the interpretation of information sources and practice research to support patient/client management decisions fundamental to evidence-based practice.
    • Research methodology and interpretation (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, levels of evidence)
    • Data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, direct observation)
    • Measurement science (e.g., reliability, validity)
    • Techniques for accessing evidence (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, scientific proceedings, guidelines, clinical prediction rules)
    • Statistics (e.g., t-test, chi-square, correlation coefficient, ANOVA, likelihood ratio, effect size, confidence interval)

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These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view Physical Therapist Licensure Examination details.