Viewing a patient in the sagittal plane, a PTA notes the pelvis shifted posteriorly with the hips thrust forward of the plumb line, an increased thoracic kyphosis, a compensatory forward head, and a relatively normal lumbar curve. Which postural pattern does this best describe?

A PTA is treating a patient with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The plan of care emphasizes active rehabilitation over passive modalities. Which approach has the strongest evidence for reducing pain and improving function in this population?

A PTA is treating a post-stroke patient with Wernicke aphasia who becomes agitated when the PTA gives verbal corrections during gait training. The patient produces fluent but meaningless speech and appears unaware of errors. Which approach is MOST appropriate?

A PTA is working with a patient who has left unilateral spatial neglect after a right hemisphere stroke. During gait training in the hallway, the patient consistently veers into the left wall. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to address this safety concern?

A PTA is instructing a patient with severe emphysema in diaphragmatic breathing. After one week of practice, the patient reports worsening dyspnea during the exercise compared to her usual breathing pattern. Which explanation MOST likely accounts for this finding?

During an exercise session, a patient with hypertension develops a systolic blood pressure of 220 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of 105 mmHg. The patient reports mild shortness of breath but denies chest pain. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action for the PTA?

A patient with a T6 complete spinal cord injury is being fitted for a thoracolumbosacral orthosis to manage trunk instability. The PTA notes the patient has insensate skin over the trunk. What is the primary precaution specific to this patient?

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is fitted with an ulnar deviation splint for the hand. The PTA notices the patient’s skin is moist before application. What is the most appropriate action?

A PTA is treating a cardiac rehabilitation patient five weeks after a myocardial infarction. During a monitored treadmill session, the telemetry monitor shows ST-segment depression of 2 mm compared to the baseline strip. The patient rates exertion at 13 on the Borg scale and denies chest pain. What is the most appropriate response?

During stair training, a patient with a non-weight-bearing restriction on the right lower extremity begins to lose balance on the ascent and starts to fall. The PTA has a gait belt secured at the patient’s waist. Which response MOST safely prevents injury?

A PTA is treating a patient with heart failure who is on a diuretic. During an aerobic session on the treadmill, the patient develops muscle cramps and reports palpitations. His heart rate monitor shows an irregular rhythm. The PTA suspects an electrolyte imbalance. Which electrolyte abnormality is most consistent with this clinical picture?

A PTA is treating a 50-year-old patient with left shoulder pain. During the session, the patient reports that the pain radiates to the jaw and left arm and is associated with nausea and diaphoresis. The patient’s blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg and heart rate is 108 bpm. Which action is MOST appropriate?

After an iontophoresis treatment, a PTA notices a small area of erythema with mild itching at the site of the active electrode. Which condition has MOST likely occurred, and what is the primary cause?

A PTA is administering low-level laser therapy to a chronic wound on the posterior lower leg. Which safety precaution is MOST important during this treatment?

During wound rounds, a PTA observes an area on the patient’s sacrum that appears as intact, non-blanchable erythema on darkly pigmented skin. The area is warm to the touch and the patient reports localized pain. No skin breakdown, blister, or purple discoloration is visible. Which pressure injury stage is MOST consistent with these findings?

A PTA reviews the chart of a patient admitted to a skilled nursing facility. Braden Scale subscores are: sensory perception 2, moisture 2, activity 1, mobility 2, nutrition 2, friction and shear 2. What is the total score and how should the PTA interpret it?

A PTA is treating a patient with Addison’s disease who is recovering from a respiratory infection. Twenty minutes into gait training, the patient develops sudden severe lower back and abdominal pain, becomes pale, and has a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg. Which of the following BEST explains this presentation?

A patient with long-standing type 2 diabetes is participating in a lower-extremity strengthening program. He reports that he rarely feels his feet anymore. Which precaution is MOST important for the PTA to implement during exercise?

A PTA applies MLD using very light pressure with a slow, rhythmic skin-stretch technique rather than deep massage. The rationale for using such light pressure is BEST explained by which physiologic principle?

A PTA is applying a multilayer compression bandage to a patient’s right arm during the intensive phase of CDT. The patient asks why short-stretch bandages are used rather than elastic bandages. What is the BEST explanation?

A PTA is performing gait training with a patient recovering from a hip fracture. During the session, the PTA observes signs and symptoms that suggest a possible deep vein thrombosis in the patient’s calf. The PT is unavailable and will not return to the facility for two hours. What is the most appropriate course of action?

A PTA is working with a patient in an acute care setting who has been immobile for 6 days. The patient reports difficulty with bowel movements and abdominal fullness. Which intervention is within the PTA’s scope and would MOST directly address this concern?

A patient on hemodialysis three times per week is participating in outpatient rehabilitation. The PTA notes the session is scheduled for the afternoon following a dialysis treatment. Which adjustment to the exercise session is MOST appropriate?

A supervising PT establishes a plan of care for a patient with patellofemoral pain that includes hip strengthening exercises. The PTA reviews a clinical practice guideline and finds a strong recommendation supporting hip strengthening for this condition. Which action best reflects evidence-based practice when the PTA delivers this intervention?