NPTE Plan

Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems: practice questions

3 original questions · 3 editor-approved · every choice explained.

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Blueprint-mapped questions with full rationales for every choice.

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Neuromuscular and Nervous SystemsDifficulty 3/5

A patient with complete C6 tetraplegia is learning transfers. Which method matches the available musculature?

  1. ASliding-board transfer using momentum and the head-hips relationship
  2. BIndependent standing pivot transfer with a hemi-walker for support
  3. CDependent mechanical lift transfer for all surfaces and situations
  4. DLateral push-up transfer using triceps to lift and clear the trunk
Show answer and rationale

Correct: A. C6 provides wrist extension and tenodesis grasp but no triceps, so a sliding board with momentum and the head-hips relationship is the achievable independent method. Lateral push-up transfers require C7 triceps.

  • D — Triceps innervation begins at C7, not C6.
  • B — Standing pivot requires lower-limb motor function absent in complete tetraplegia.
  • C — C6 complete injury is compatible with independent transfers, so a lift underestimates the potential.
Neuromuscular and Nervous SystemsDifficulty 3/5

Which practice schedule best promotes long-term retention of a motor skill, even though in-session performance may look worse?

  1. ABlocked practice of one task repeated until performance stabilises
  2. BRandom practice interleaving several tasks within the session
  3. CMassed practice with minimal rest between all repetitions
  4. DConstant practice of a single parameter with unchanging conditions
Show answer and rationale

Correct: B. Random or interleaved practice depresses performance during acquisition but improves retention and transfer — the contextual-interference effect. Blocked practice flatters the session and fades afterwards.

  • A — Blocked practice improves acquisition performance but produces weaker retention.
  • C — Massed practice affects rest distribution rather than contextual interference.
  • D — Constant practice limits transfer to novel task variations.
Neuromuscular and Nervous SystemsDifficulty 3/5

A patient with a T4 spinal-cord injury develops a pounding headache, blood pressure of 180/110 and flushing above the lesion. What is the immediate action?

  1. AApply a cold pack to the neck and provide reassurance about the headache
  2. BLay the patient flat and elevate the legs to restore cerebral perfusion
  3. CSit the patient upright, check for bladder distension and other triggers
  4. DContinue the session at a lower intensity and monitor blood pressure
Show answer and rationale

Correct: C. This is autonomic dysreflexia, a medical emergency in injuries at or above T6. Sitting upright lowers blood pressure by orthostatic effect while the noxious stimulus — most often bladder distension — is identified and removed.

  • B — Lying flat raises blood pressure further and worsens the crisis.
  • D — Continuing any activity ignores a potentially fatal hypertensive event.
  • A — Symptom comfort measures do not address the underlying trigger.

Primary references

  1. NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2024 (v1.1) — Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22