Free practice test

Physical Therapist Assistant Practice Test

Check what you know about the physical therapist assistant job with 15 free questions and instant explanations.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
About this practice test

15 multiple-choice questions on physical therapist assistant knowledge, safety and vocabulary. Submit to see your score and explanations, or open any question’s answer as you go. Nothing is saved or shared.

Question 1 of 15Who writes the plan of care?
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Answer: The physical therapist. The PT evaluates and writes the plan of care; the PTA carries it out.

Question 2 of 15When guarding during gait training, stand:
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Answer: Slightly behind and to the weaker side. Behind and to the weaker side gives the best support.

Question 3 of 15PROM means:
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Answer: Passive range of motion. Passive range of motion is when the clinician moves the joint.

Question 4 of 15A goniometer measures:
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Answer: Joint angles. Goniometers measure joint range of motion.

Question 5 of 15In a SOAP note, the “A” stands for:
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Answer: Assessment. Assessment describes the patient’s response and progress.

Question 6 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Range of motion: how far a joint can move.”
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Answer: ROM. ROM: Range of motion: how far a joint can move.

Question 7 of 15What does “Guarding” mean?
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Answer: Staying close and ready to support a patient to prevent falls.. Guarding: Staying close and ready to support a patient to prevent falls.

Question 8 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A reason a treatment should not be used.”
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Answer: Contraindication. Contraindication: A reason a treatment should not be used.

Question 9 of 15What does “AROM and PROM” mean?
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Answer: Active range of motion (patient moves) and passive range of motion (clinician moves).. AROM and PROM: Active range of motion (patient moves) and passive range of motion (clinician moves).

Question 10 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Treatments such as heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical stimulation.”
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Answer: Modalities. Modalities: Treatments such as heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Question 11 of 15What does “HEP” mean?
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Answer: Home exercise program.. HEP: Home exercise program.

Question 12 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Equipment such as a walker, cane or crutches that supports mobility.”
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Answer: Assistive device. Assistive device: Equipment such as a walker, cane or crutches that supports mobility.

Question 13 of 15What does “Goniometer” mean?
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Answer: A tool that measures joint angles.. Goniometer: A tool that measures joint angles.

Question 14 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A note format: subjective, objective, assessment, plan.”
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Answer: SOAP note. SOAP note: A note format: subjective, objective, assessment, plan.

Question 15 of 15What does “Functional mobility” mean?
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Answer: Everyday movements such as getting out of bed, walking and climbing stairs.. Functional mobility: Everyday movements such as getting out of bed, walking and climbing stairs.

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