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NBCE Physiotherapy study materials
NBCE Physiotherapy study resources

NBCE Physiotherapy practice questions

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Question 1Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

When using a goniometer to measure elbow flexion, where should the axis of the instrument be placed?

  1. Olecranon process
  2. Medial epicondyle of the humerus
  3. Lateral epicondyle of the humerus Correct answer.
  4. Radial styloid process

Explanation

The goniometer axis for elbow flexion is placed over the lateral epicondyle, with the stationary arm aligned along the humerus and the moving arm along the radius. This placement reflects motion at the humeroulnar and humeroradial joints.

Question 2Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A manual muscle test grade of 3/5 indicates that the patient can perform which level of activity?

  1. Complete range of motion against gravity only Correct answer.
  2. Complete range of motion with gravity eliminated
  3. Produce only a palpable muscle contraction
  4. Complete range of motion against gravity and resistance

Explanation

Grade 3 denotes active movement through the full available range against gravity without added resistance. Grades 4 and 5 require resistance, while grades 1 and 2 indicate trace contraction or gravity-eliminated movement.

Question 3Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which resting heart rate for an adult is within the generally accepted normal range?

  1. 44 beats per minute
  2. 68 beats per minute Correct answer.
  3. 50 beats per minute
  4. 102 beats per minute

Explanation

The normal adult resting heart rate is typically 60 to 100 beats per minute. A value of 68 beats per minute falls within this range.

Question 4Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The C7 dermatome is best assessed by testing sensation on which area?

  1. Lateral aspect of the upper arm
  2. Middle finger Correct answer.
  3. Thumb and index finger
  4. Little finger and medial forearm

Explanation

The C7 dermatome corresponds to the middle finger and the posterior middle aspect of the hand. C6 is tested at the thumb and index finger, while C8 is tested at the little finger.

Question 5Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A biceps deep tendon reflex graded as 2+ is interpreted as which finding?

  1. Hyperactive
  2. Normal Correct answer.
  3. Diminished
  4. Absent

Explanation

Deep tendon reflexes are graded on a 0 to 4+ scale, with 2+ representing a normal response. A 1+ response is diminished, and 3+ or 4+ indicates hyperactivity.

Question 6Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The stance phase of the gait cycle refers to the period when the foot is doing which of the following?

  1. In contact with the ground Correct answer.
  2. Accelerating forward through the air
  3. Lifting off the ground
  4. Crossing the midline

Explanation

Stance phase begins with initial contact and ends with toe-off, during which the foot bears weight and remains in contact with the ground. Swing phase describes the period when the foot is off the ground.

Question 7Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A numeric rating scale for pain typically asks the patient to rate pain using which range?

  1. 1 to 5 with 1 indicating worst pain
  2. 0 to 100 with 100 indicating no pain
  3. 0 to 10 with 0 indicating no pain Correct answer.
  4. A to D with A indicating severe pain

Explanation

The numeric rating scale usually ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst pain imaginable. It is widely used because it is simple and reproducible.

Question 8Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

In ideal standing posture viewed from the side, the plumb line should pass through which structure?

  1. Posterior aspect of the knee joint
  2. Anterior aspect of the lateral malleolus
  3. External auditory meatus Correct answer.
  4. Spinous process of L5

Explanation

A lateral plumb line in ideal posture passes through the external auditory meatus, acromion, greater trochanter, slightly anterior to the knee, and slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus. This alignment places the body segments in balanced orientation.

Question 9Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Elbow extension range of motion is documented as 10° to 145°. What does the 10° value indicate?

  1. The starting point for resistance testing
  2. The normal carrying angle
  3. The amount of pronation present
  4. An extension lag lacking full extension Correct answer.

Explanation

Full elbow extension is recorded as 0°, so a starting value of 10° indicates that the patient lacks 10° of terminal extension. The arc of motion is therefore from 10° of flexion contracture to 145° of flexion.

Question 10Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A patient cannot actively abduct the shoulder, but the therapist palpates a faint contraction in the deltoid. Which manual muscle test grade is most appropriate?

  1. 3/5
  2. 0/5
  3. 2/5
  4. 1/5 Correct answer.

Explanation

Grade 1 is assigned when a muscle contraction can be palpated but no joint motion occurs. Grade 0 indicates no palpable contraction, and grade 2 indicates movement only when gravity is eliminated.

Question 11Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

When assessing light touch sensation, the patient should be instructed to do which of the following?

  1. Report only painful stimuli
  2. Keep the eyes open and watch the examiner
  3. Compare the two sides only on the palms
  4. Respond each time the stimulus is felt with the eyes closed Correct answer.

Explanation

Light touch testing requires the patient to keep the eyes closed and verbally indicate when the stimulus is perceived, which prevents visual cues from influencing the response. The examiner compares proximal and distal and right versus left dermatomes.

Question 12Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A positive Lachman test indicates injury to which knee ligament?

  1. Anterior cruciate ligament Correct answer.
  2. Posterior cruciate ligament
  3. Lateral collateral ligament
  4. Medial collateral ligament

Explanation

The Lachman test assesses anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur with the knee slightly flexed, which stresses the anterior cruciate ligament. Increased translation with a soft endpoint suggests ACL insufficiency.

Question 13Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which oxygen saturation value is generally considered normal for a healthy adult breathing room air at sea level?

  1. 92%
  2. 85%
  3. 97% Correct answer.
  4. 89%

Explanation

Normal oxygen saturation at sea level is typically 95% to 100% on room air. Values below 90% generally indicate hypoxemia and warrant further evaluation.

Question 14Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Romberg test is used primarily to assess which function?

  1. Proprioceptive balance with the eyes closed Correct answer.
  2. Lower extremity muscle strength
  3. Cerebellar coordination with the eyes open
  4. Vestibular function during rapid head turning

Explanation

The Romberg test compares standing balance with the eyes open and then closed; increased sway or loss of balance with the eyes closed suggests impaired proprioceptive input. It helps distinguish sensory ataxia from cerebellar dysfunction.

Question 15Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The finger-to-nose test primarily evaluates which function?

  1. Corticospinal tract strength
  2. Cranial nerve VII function
  3. Cerebellar coordination Correct answer.
  4. Peripheral sensory threshold

Explanation

Finger-to-nose testing assesses accuracy and smoothness of voluntary movement, which reflects cerebellar coordination. Dysmetria or intention tremor during the task suggests cerebellar dysfunction.

Question 16Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A steppage gait is most commonly associated with weakness of which muscle group?

  1. Ankle plantar flexors
  2. Hip abductors
  3. Ankle dorsiflexors Correct answer.
  4. Knee extensors

Explanation

Steppage gait results from foot drop, in which weak ankle dorsiflexors prevent the toe from clearing the ground during swing. The patient compensates by lifting the hip and knee excessively.

Question 17Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which technique provides the most objective measurement of lower extremity edema volume?

  1. Water displacement volumetry Correct answer.
  2. Pitting edema grading
  3. Circumference measurement at one level
  4. Visual inspection of the limb

Explanation

Water displacement volumetry quantifies the volume of the limb and is considered a highly objective standard for edema measurement. Circumference measurements are useful but can be affected by tape placement and limb shape.

Question 18Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Oswestry Disability Index is designed to measure disability associated with which condition?

  1. Low back pain Correct answer.
  2. Knee osteoarthritis
  3. Shoulder instability
  4. Neck pain

Explanation

The Oswestry Disability Index is a condition-specific questionnaire that quantifies functional limitation caused by low back pain. It is not designed for cervical or upper extremity conditions.

Question 19Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Pursed-lip breathing is taught to patients with COPD primarily to achieve which effect?

  1. Raise oxygen saturation above 100%
  2. Increase inspiratory muscle strength
  3. Prevent airway collapse during exhalation Correct answer.
  4. Reduce the respiratory rate below 8 breaths per minute

Explanation

Pursed-lip breathing creates back pressure in the airways during exhalation, helping prevent dynamic airway collapse in patients with obstructive lung disease. It can reduce dyspnea and improve ventilation.

Question 20Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A positive Phalen test reproduces paresthesia in the distribution of which nerve?

  1. Radial nerve
  2. Ulnar nerve
  3. Median nerve Correct answer.
  4. Axillary nerve

Explanation

The Phalen test places the wrist in sustained flexion, which increases carpal tunnel pressure and reproduces median nerve symptoms. It is used in the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 21Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

During left single-leg stance, the patient's right pelvis drops. Which muscle is most likely weak?

  1. Left gluteus medius Correct answer.
  2. Right gluteus medius
  3. Left hip flexor
  4. Right quadriceps

Explanation

This is a positive Trendelenburg sign, in which the pelvis drops on the contralateral side during single-leg stance. It indicates weakness of the hip abductors, primarily the gluteus medius, on the stance side.

Question 22Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Shoulder abduction is measured with the patient supine and the scapula stabilized. This modification is intended to isolate motion at which joint?

  1. Acromioclavicular joint
  2. Sternoclavicular joint
  3. Scapulothoracic joint
  4. Glenohumeral joint Correct answer.

Explanation

Stabilizing the scapula prevents upward rotation and retraction from contributing to arm elevation, thereby isolating glenohumeral abduction. This is useful when the examiner wants to distinguish true glenohumeral motion from scapulothoracic motion.

Question 23Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A patient experiences pain when the skin is lightly brushed with cotton after a nerve injury. This finding is documented as which phenomenon?

  1. Allodynia Correct answer.
  2. Hyperalgesia
  3. Paresthesia
  4. Hypoesthesia

Explanation

Allodynia is pain evoked by a stimulus that is normally not painful, such as light touch with cotton. Hyperalgesia, by contrast, is an exaggerated pain response to a normally painful stimulus.

Question 24Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A healthy endurance athlete has a resting heart rate of 44 beats per minute and no symptoms. This finding is best explained by which factor?

  1. Acute hypovolemia
  2. Hyperthyroidism
  3. Increased vagal tone Correct answer.
  4. Third-degree heart block

Explanation

Trained endurance athletes often have increased parasympathetic or vagal tone, producing a physiologic resting bradycardia. In an asymptomatic athlete, this is a normal adaptive response rather than a pathologic rhythm.

Question 25Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A positive Ober test indicates tightness of which structure?

  1. Iliotibial band Correct answer.
  2. Hip flexors
  3. Hamstrings
  4. Hip adductors

Explanation

The Ober test is performed with the patient in side-lying and the hip extended and abducted; if the thigh does not adduct toward the table, the iliotibial band or tensor fasciae latae is considered tight. It is commonly used in the assessment of lateral hip and knee dysfunction.

Question 26Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

What is the normal active range of motion for knee flexion?

  1. 0° to 135° Correct answer.
  2. 0° to 180°
  3. 0° to 90°
  4. 0° to 45°

Explanation

Normal knee flexion range is approximately 0 to 135 degrees. Values beyond 135 degrees are uncommon, and 0 to 180 degrees exceeds normal joint range. Limitation to 45 or 90 degrees represents significant loss of flexion.

Question 27Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The brachioradialis reflex is mediated primarily by which nerve root?

  1. C6 Correct answer.
  2. C8
  3. C4
  4. T1

Explanation

The brachioradialis reflex is mediated primarily by the C6 nerve root. It is often tested with the biceps reflex to assess the C5-C6 level. C4, C8, and T1 do not typically mediate this reflex.

Question 28Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which respiratory rate range is considered normal for a resting adult?

  1. 30 to 36 breaths/min
  2. 6 to 10 breaths/min
  3. 22 to 28 breaths/min
  4. 12 to 20 breaths/min Correct answer.

Explanation

A normal adult resting respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates below 12 indicate bradypnea, and rates above 20 indicate tachypnea.

Question 29Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

During manual muscle testing, a patient can complete full range of motion against gravity but cannot tolerate any added resistance. Which grade is assigned?

  1. Grade 3 Correct answer.
  2. Grade 2
  3. Grade 4
  4. Grade 5

Explanation

Grade 3 indicates full active range of motion against gravity without added resistance. Grade 4 requires some resistance, and grade 5 requires normal resistance. Grade 2 indicates motion only with gravity eliminated.

Question 30Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The C7 dermatome corresponds to which digit?

  1. Little finger
  2. Thumb
  3. Middle finger Correct answer.
  4. Index finger

Explanation

The C7 dermatome covers the middle finger. The thumb and index finger are primarily C6, and the little finger is C8.

Question 31Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Cadence during gait is defined as which of the following?

  1. Time spent in single-limb support
  2. Distance covered per step
  3. Degree of toe-out during stance
  4. Number of steps per minute Correct answer.

Explanation

Cadence is the number of steps taken per minute. Step length is the distance covered per step, and stance time is the duration of single-limb support. Toe-out angle describes foot progression angle.

Question 32Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which pain assessment tool uses a series of faces and is designed for children or patients who cannot use numeric scales?

  1. Numeric Rating Scale
  2. Visual Analog Scale
  3. McGill Pain Questionnaire
  4. Wong-Baker FACES Correct answer.

Explanation

The Wong-Baker FACES scale uses drawings of faces and is designed for children or patients who cannot use numeric scales. The McGill Pain Questionnaire uses word descriptors, while the Visual Analog Scale and Numeric Rating Scale require line-based or numeric ratings.

Question 33Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

What is the normal adult oral temperature?

  1. 40.0°C
  2. 35.0°C
  3. 37.0°C Correct answer.
  4. 39.0°C

Explanation

Normal adult oral temperature is approximately 37.0°C (98.6°F). Values of 39°C or 40°C indicate fever, and 35°C indicates hypothermia.

Question 34Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The anterior drawer test of the ankle is used to assess the integrity of which ligament?

  1. Deltoid ligament
  2. Posterior talofibular ligament
  3. Calcaneofibular ligament
  4. Anterior talofibular ligament Correct answer.

Explanation

The anterior drawer test of the ankle stresses the anterior talofibular ligament. The calcaneofibular ligament is assessed with inversion stress, and the posterior talofibular ligament is rarely injured in isolation. The deltoid ligament is on the medial side of the ankle.

Question 35Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Thomas test is used to assess which impairment?

  1. Hip abductor strength
  2. Iliopsoas flexibility Correct answer.
  3. Ankle dorsiflexion range
  4. Knee extensor lag

Explanation

The Thomas test assesses hip flexor flexibility, particularly the iliopsoas and rectus femoris. Hip abductor strength is tested with manual muscle testing or the Trendelenburg test. Knee extensor lag is assessed by active knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion range by goniometry.

Question 36Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which outcome measure is a 56-point scale used to assess static and dynamic balance in older adults?

  1. Functional Reach Test
  2. Six-Minute Walk Test
  3. Berg Balance Scale Correct answer.
  4. Timed Up and Go test

Explanation

The Berg Balance Scale is a 56-point measure of static and dynamic balance in older adults. The Six-Minute Walk Test measures endurance, the Timed Up and Go measures mobility, and the Functional Reach Test measures forward stability limits.

Question 37Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

What is the approximate normal two-point discrimination threshold on the fingertip?

  1. 30 mm
  2. 5 mm Correct answer.
  3. 1 mm
  4. 15 mm

Explanation

Normal two-point discrimination on the fingertip is approximately 5 mm or less. Values of 15 mm or 30 mm indicate impaired tactile acuity, and 1 mm is sharper than the typical normal threshold.

Question 38Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which blood pressure change on standing is classified as orthostatic hypotension?

  1. Diastolic drop of 5 mmHg within 10 minutes
  2. Systolic drop of 10 mmHg within 30 seconds
  3. Systolic drop of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic drop of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes Correct answer.
  4. Systolic rise of 20 mmHg within 3 minutes

Explanation

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a systolic drop of at least 20 mmHg or a diastolic drop of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing. A rise in systolic pressure is not orthostatic hypotension. Smaller or delayed changes do not meet the standard definition.

Question 39Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A positive Babinski sign in an adult most likely indicates which type of lesion?

  1. Cerebellar dysfunction
  2. Corticospinal tract lesion Correct answer.
  3. Basal ganglia disorder
  4. Peripheral nerve injury

Explanation

A positive Babinski sign in an adult indicates an upper motor neuron lesion, typically involving the corticospinal tract. Peripheral nerve injury causes lower motor neuron signs, and cerebellar or basal ganglia disorders produce different findings.

Question 40Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire is designed to measure which domain?

  1. Upper extremity disability Correct answer.
  2. Balance confidence
  3. Cognitive status
  4. Lower extremity function

Explanation

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire measures upper extremity disability and symptoms. Lower extremity function is measured by tools such as the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Balance confidence is measured by the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and cognitive status by instruments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Question 41Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

A positive McMurray test is most suggestive of which knee injury?

  1. Anterior cruciate ligament tear
  2. Meniscal tear Correct answer.
  3. Posterior cruciate ligament tear
  4. Patellofemoral instability

Explanation

The McMurray test reproduces pain or clicking from a meniscal tear during knee rotation and flexion. ACL and PCL tears are assessed with drawer or Lachman tests, and patellofemoral instability with apprehension or patellar grind tests.

Question 42Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

In the shoulder, the capsular pattern of restriction is characterized by greatest limitation in which motion?

  1. Flexion
  2. Medial rotation
  3. Lateral rotation Correct answer.
  4. Abduction

Explanation

The shoulder capsular pattern limits lateral rotation most, followed by abduction and then medial rotation. Flexion is not the most restricted motion in this pattern.

Question 43Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Which frequency is standard for a tuning fork used to test vibration sense?

  1. 128 Hz Correct answer.
  2. 256 Hz
  3. 1024 Hz
  4. 512 Hz

Explanation

Vibration sense is typically tested with a 128 Hz tuning fork. Higher frequencies such as 256 Hz or 512 Hz are not standard for bedside vibration testing, and 1024 Hz is not used.

Question 44Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Six-Minute Walk Test is used primarily to measure which of the following?

  1. Functional exercise capacity Correct answer.
  2. Peak anaerobic power
  3. Joint position sense
  4. Static balance

Explanation

The Six-Minute Walk Test measures functional exercise capacity by recording the distance walked in six minutes. It does not measure peak anaerobic power, static balance, or joint position sense.

Question 45Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Ely test is used to assess tightness of which muscle?

  1. Iliotibial band
  2. Hamstrings
  3. Rectus femoris Correct answer.
  4. Hip adductors

Explanation

The Ely test assesses rectus femoris tightness; with the patient prone, passive knee flexion causes the ipsilateral hip to flex if the rectus femoris is tight. Hamstring tightness is assessed with the straight-leg raise or popliteal angle, and iliotibial band tightness with the Ober test.

Question 46Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

An ankle-brachial index of 0.60 is most consistent with which finding?

  1. Arterial calcification with falsely elevated index
  2. Moderate peripheral arterial disease Correct answer.
  3. Venous insufficiency
  4. Normal arterial circulation

Explanation

An ankle-brachial index of 0.60 falls in the 0.41 to 0.90 range, which indicates mild to moderate peripheral arterial disease. Normal ankle-brachial index is approximately 0.90 to 1.30. Values below 0.40 indicate severe disease, and calcified vessels can falsely elevate the index.

Question 47Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The smallest change in an outcome score that a patient perceives as beneficial is termed which of the following?

  1. Standard error of measurement
  2. Minimal clinically important difference Correct answer.
  3. Coefficient of variation
  4. Minimal detectable change

Explanation

The minimal clinically important difference is the smallest change that patients perceive as beneficial. The standard error of measurement reflects reliability, the minimal detectable change is the smallest change beyond measurement error, and the coefficient of variation describes variability.

Question 48Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

Sustained ankle clonus in an adult is most indicative of which type of lesion?

  1. Peripheral sensory neuropathy
  2. Lower motor neuron lesion
  3. Cerebellar lesion
  4. Upper motor neuron lesion Correct answer.

Explanation

Sustained clonus is a sign of upper motor neuron hyperreflexia. Lower motor neuron lesions reduce reflexes, cerebellar lesions cause coordination deficits, and peripheral sensory neuropathy affects sensation and distal reflexes.

Question 49Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Fukuda stepping test is used primarily to assess which function?

  1. Vestibular function Correct answer.
  2. Cortical sensation
  3. Proprioception of the lower limbs
  4. Cerebellar coordination

Explanation

The Fukuda stepping test assesses vestibular function by having the patient step in place with eyes closed; significant rotation suggests unilateral vestibular hypofunction. It is not a primary test of cerebellar coordination, lower limb proprioception, or cortical sensation.

Question 50Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation

The Schober test is used to assess which impairment?

  1. Sacroiliac joint stability
  2. Lumbar spine flexion mobility Correct answer.
  3. Thoracic spine rotation
  4. Cervical spine extension

Explanation

The Schober test measures lumbar spine flexion mobility by marking the lumbar spine and measuring distraction with forward bending. It does not assess thoracic rotation, cervical extension, or sacroiliac stability.