A physical therapist assistant uses a 3.0 MHz ultrasound beam at 1.5 W/cm2 to treat a patient diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. The majority of ultrasound energy will be absorbed within a depth of:

A physical therapist assistant observes a patient during gait training. The patient has normal strength and equal leg length. As the patient passes midstance he slightly vaults and exhibits early toe off. The MOST likely cause of this deviation is:

A physical therapist assistant attempts to confirm the fit of a wheelchair for a patient recently admitted to a skilled nursing facility. After completing the assessment, the physical therapist assistant determines the wheelchair has excessive seat width. Which adverse effect results from excessive seat width?

A patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis exhibits a forward stooped posture. As part of the patient’s established plan of care the physical therapist assistant implements a number of active exercises that promote improved posture. Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern would be the MOST appropriate to achieve the established objective?

A physical therapist assistant works with a patient diagnosed with patellofemoral syndrome. As part of the physical therapy session the physical therapist assistant measures the patient’s Q angle. Which three bony landmarks are used to measure the Q angle?

A patient diagnosed with C5 tetraplegia receives physical therapy services in a rehabilitation hospital. The patient has made good progress in therapy and is scheduled for discharge in one week. During a treatment session, the patient informs the physical therapist assistant that one day in the future he will walk again. The MOST appropriate response is:

A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident sustains a proximal fibula fracture. The fracture damaged the motor component of the common peroneal nerve. Ankle dorsiflexion and eversion are tested as 2/5. The MOST appropriate intervention to assist the patient with activities of daily living would be:

A patient appears to be somewhat anxious after learning her treatment will include soft tissue massage. The MOST appropriate massage stroke to begin treatment is:

A physical therapist assistant discusses the plan of care for a patient rehabilitating from total hip arthroplasty surgery (posterolateral approach) with the patient’s surgeon. During the discussion the surgeon indicates that he would like the patient to continue to wear a knee immobilizer in order to help prevent hip dislocation. The PRIMARY rationale for this action is:

A physical therapist assistant discusses the use of a topical moisturizer with a patient to combat dryness and itching of the skin in the area of a healed burn. Which scenario would MOST likely require the use of a moisturizer for an indefinite period?