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Overseen by TDLR, this practical exam certifies athletic trainers on hands-on sports medicine skills. Domains include injury assessment, taping and wrapping techniques, emergency response, rehabilitation protocols, therapeutic modalities, and safety practices. Passing is required for licensure to practice athletic training in Texas.
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Question 1. Which of the following taping techniques is most appropriate for prophylactic ankle support in a basketball player? A) Figure-eight taping of the subtalar joint B) Low-Dye (closed basket) taping C) McConnell medial-lateral taping D) Spiral taping of the Achilles tendon Answer: B Explanation: Low-Dye (closed basket) taping provides firm inversion support while allowing plantarflexion, making it the preferred prophylactic method for ankle stability in high-impact sports like basketball. Question 2. When fitting a football helmet, which measurement is critical to ensure proper concussion protection? A) Temporal width B) Chin strap length C) Crown height D) Helmet offset Answer: A Explanation: Temporal width determines the helmet’s coverage over the temporal bone, a region vulnerable to concussive forces; proper fit reduces skull-brain movement during impact. Question 3. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is measured at 28 °C with a black globe temperature of 30 °C and a dry-bulb temperature of 32 °C. What is the WBGT value? A) 27 °C B) 29 °C C) 30 °C
Answer: B Explanation: WBGT = 0.7 × wet-bulb + 0.2 × black-globe + 0.1 × dry-bulb = 0.7 × 28
Answer: C Explanation: Slush bucket therapy provides intense, prolonged cold exposure, which can precipitate severe vasospasm in Raynaud’s patients, making it contraindicated. Question 9. A therapeutic ultrasound setting of 1 MHz frequency is most appropriate for which depth of tissue? A) Superficial (≤ 0.5 cm) B) Intermediate (1–2 cm) C) Deep (3–5 cm) D) Very deep (> 5 cm) Answer: B Explanation: 1 MHz ultrasound penetrates approximately 1–2 cm, making it suitable for intermediate-depth tissues such as the quadriceps tendon. Question 10. Which of the following is an indication for using a TENS unit in an acute musculoskeletal injury? A) Open wound infection B) Deep vein thrombosis C) Acute phase pain within 48 hours of injury D) Post-operative wound dehiscence Answer: C Explanation: TENS can be applied safely during the acute inflammatory phase to modulate pain via gate control mechanisms; it is contraindicated over open wounds or thrombotic conditions. Question 11. In designing a progression for shoulder range of motion, which sequence correctly reflects increasing active involvement?
A) Active → Active-Assistive → Passive B) Passive → Active-Assistive → Active C) Active-Assistive → Passive → Active D) Passive → Active → Active-Assistive Answer: B Explanation: Rehabilitation typically starts with passive ROM, advances to active-assistive, and culminates in active ROM as patient control improves. Question 12. Which balance tool provides an unstable surface that challenges proprioception in multiple planes? A) Wobble board (single axis) B) BOSU dome (flat side up) C) Foam pad (single plane) D) Balance beam (linear) Answer: B Explanation: The BOSU dome, especially when the flat side is up, creates multidirectional instability, enhancing proprioceptive training across planes. Question 13. Isokinetic training is most beneficial for which of the following objectives? A) Maximizing maximal strength at a single joint angle B) Improving muscular endurance at low intensities C) Providing constant velocity resistance throughout the range of motion D) Reducing joint stress by eliminating resistance Answer: C
Question 16. Which component of a SOAP note documents the athlete’s reported pain level on a 0-10 scale? A) Subjective B) Objective C) Assessment D) Plan Answer: A Explanation: The “Subjective” portion records the athlete’s own description of symptoms, including pain intensity using a numeric rating scale. Question 17. Under HIPAA, which of the following is considered a protected health information (PHI) element? A) Athlete’s jersey number B) Date of birth and injury diagnosis C) Team’s win-loss record D) Publicly posted practice schedule Answer: B Explanation: PHI includes any individually identifiable health information, such as date of birth combined with a medical diagnosis, and must be safeguarded under HIPAA. Question 18. The bony landmark used to locate the insertion of the hamstring tendons is the: A) Greater trochanter B) Ischial tuberosity C) Medial epicondyle of the femur D) Lateral condyle of the tibia
Answer: B Explanation: The hamstring muscles originate from the ischial tuberosity; palpation of this landmark assists in diagnosing proximal hamstring injuries. Question 19. During a gait analysis, excessive pronation is most likely to increase stress on which structure? A) Medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee B) Lateral ankle ligaments C) Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) D) Plantar fascia Answer: D Explanation: Overpronation flattens the medial arch, placing increased tensile load on the plantar fascia, leading to conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Question 20. Which electrical stimulation modality is primarily used to promote tissue healing rather than pain control? A) TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) B. NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) C. IFC (Interferential Current) D. LIPUS (Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound) Answer: D Explanation: Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) delivers mechanical energy that stimulates cellular activity and tissue repair, distinct from modalities aimed at analgesia. Question 21. The most appropriate method to modify a standard shoulder brace for an athlete with a pre-existing rotator cuff strain is to:
Explanation: The “20- 20 - 20 ” rule (20 feet from metal, 20 seconds after the last thunder, and wait 20 minutes before returning) is a standard safety guideline to minimize lightning strike risk. Question 24. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of severe hemorrhage requiring a tourniquet? A) Blood loss > 500 mL B) Systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg with active spurting arterial bleeding C) Presence of a hematoma larger than 5 cm D) Pain rating > 7/ Answer: B Explanation: A systolic BP < 90 mmHg combined with active arterial bleeding signifies life-threatening hemorrhage; immediate tourniquet application is indicated. Question 25. When performing a secondary assessment, the “mechanism of injury” is primarily used to: A) Determine the athlete’s pain threshold B) Predict potential internal injuries based on forces applied C) Choose the appropriate ice pack size D) Decide whether to call emergency medical services Answer: B Explanation: Understanding the mechanism (e.g., axial loading, hyperextension) helps the trainer anticipate which structures may be injured and directs focused examination. Question 26. Which of the following is the correct order for applying a cervical collar during spine boarding? A) Apply the collar first, then log-roll the athlete onto the board.
B) Log-roll the athlete, then apply the collar while on the board. C) Apply the collar while the athlete is seated, then log-roll onto the board. D) No collar is applied; only head immobilization is used. Answer: C Explanation: The cervical collar should be placed while the athlete is still seated to maintain neutral alignment, then the athlete is log-rolled onto the spine board. Question 27. Which of the following is a contraindication for using therapeutic heat (thermotherapy) on an acute ankle sprain? A) Swelling present within 48 hours of injury B) Chronic tendinopathy of the peroneal muscles C) Mild stiffness after 5 days post-injury D) Post-operative scar tissue formation Answer: A Explanation: Heat can increase inflammation and edema; therefore, it is contraindicated during the acute inflammatory phase (first 48 hours) of an ankle sprain. Question 28. The “McConnell taping” technique is most commonly used to treat which condition? A) Patellofemoral pain syndrome B) Lateral ankle sprain C) Medial epicondylitis D. Plantar fasciitis Answer: A Explanation: McConnell taping realigns the patella, reducing lateral tracking and alleviating patellofemoral pain.
D) Greater tubercle of the humerus Answer: C Explanation: The deltoid inserts on the acromion, clavicle, and spine of the scapula; palpating the acromion helps identify its attachment. Question 32. In a functional “Return to Play” test for a baseball pitcher, which assessment best evaluates shoulder external rotation strength? A) Hand-held dynamometer at 90° abduction B. Isokinetic testing at 60°/sec C. Push-up test to fatigue D. Medicine ball chest pass distance Answer: A Explanation: A hand-held dynamometer positioned with the arm at 90° abduction isolates external rotators, providing a reliable strength measure for pitchers. Question 33. Which of the following is a legal requirement for maintaining injury logs in a Texas high-school athletic program? A) Logs must be retained for a minimum of 5 years after the athlete graduates. B) Logs can be stored on personal mobile devices without encryption. C) Only the head coach may access the logs. D) Logs must be destroyed after each season ends. Answer: A Explanation: Texas state regulations require injury documentation to be retained for at least five years to ensure compliance with legal and audit standards. Question 34. The “thumb spica” splint is primarily indicated for which injury?
A) Scaphoid fracture B) Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of the thumb MCP joint C. Lateral epicondylitis D. Distal biceps tendon rupture Answer: B Explanation: A thumb spica immobilizes the thumb MCP and CMC joints, providing stability for UCL injuries (Gamekeeper’s thumb). Question 35. Which of the following is the most appropriate method to assess proprioception after an ACL reconstruction? A) Single-leg hop for distance B) Manual muscle testing of quadriceps strength C) Goniometric measurement of knee flexion D) Palpation of the joint line for effusion Answer: A Explanation: Single-leg hop tests challenge dynamic stability and proprioceptive control, making them suitable for assessing functional recovery post-ACL reconstruction. Question 36. Which of the following statements best describes “isometric” strengthening? A) Muscle length changes while tension remains constant. B) Muscle tension is generated without joint movement. C) Muscle contracts rapidly through a full range of motion. D) Resistance varies proportionally to speed of contraction. Answer: B
B) Greater trochanter C) Ischial tuberosity D) Pubic symphysis Answer: A Explanation: The AIIS serves as the origin for the rectus femoris; tenderness there often indicates a hip flexor strain. Question 40. The “Valgus stress test” is performed to assess integrity of which ligament? A) Anterior cruciate ligament B) Posterior cruciate ligament C) Medial collateral ligament D) Lateral collateral ligament Answer: C Explanation: Applying a valgus force stresses the medial collateral ligament (MCL); increased laxity indicates injury. Question 41. Which of the following best describes the purpose of “arch support” taping for a runner? A) To limit dorsiflexion during stance phase B) To increase forefoot pressure for propulsion C) To provide medial longitudinal arch stability and reduce pronation D) To immobilize the ankle joint completely Answer: C Explanation: Arch support taping reinforces the medial longitudinal arch, decreasing excessive pronation and associated strain.
Question 42. When using a SAM splint for a suspected forearm fracture, the trainer should: A) Apply the splint with the limb in full extension only. B) Mold the splint while the limb is positioned in its functional alignment. C) Use a tourniquet distal to the splint to control swelling. D) Wrap the splint tightly to achieve 100 mmHg pressure. Answer: B Explanation: SAM splints are molded to the limb’s functional position, allowing slight flexion/extension as appropriate while providing immobilization. Question 43. Which of the following is a key component of FERPA compliance for athletic trainers? A) Sharing injury details with teammates without consent. B) Posting athletes’ medical information on public bulletin boards. C) Obtaining written consent before releasing academic records related to eligibility. D) Storing all records on unsecured cloud services. Answer: C Explanation: FERPA protects educational records; trainers must have written consent before releasing any academic or eligibility information that could affect the student’s privacy. Question 44. In a gait analysis, “drop foot” is most commonly associated with injury to which nerve? A) Femoral nerve B) Deep peroneal nerve C) Tibial nerve D) Sciatic nerve
A) Deep squat B. Hurdle step C. Trunk rotation D. Inline lunge Answer: C Explanation: The trunk rotation test directly evaluates core rotational control and stability, essential for many sports movements. Question 48. When applying a commercial hinged knee brace for an athlete with an MCL sprain, the trainer should set the hinge to allow: A) Full hyperextension to protect the ligament. B) 0–30° of flexion only. C) 0–90° of flexion, limiting valgus stress. D) Unlimited range of motion. Answer: C Explanation: Limiting valgus stress while permitting functional flexion (0–90°) protects the healing MCL while allowing the athlete to move. Question 49. Which of the following is the most accurate description of “proximal tibial stress syndrome” (shin splints)? A) Inflammation of the periosteum of the tibia due to repetitive loading. B) Fracture of the tibial shaft. C) Tendinopathy of the tibialis posterior. D) Medial collateral ligament sprain. Answer: A Explanation: Shin splints involve periosteal inflammation from repetitive stress, commonly seen in runners and jumpers.
Question 50. Which of the following is a key indicator that an athlete’s concussion symptoms have resolved and they are cleared for return to play? A) Subjective report of no headache for 24 hours. B) Normal SCAT-5 scores on three consecutive days and physician clearance. C) Ability to jog for 5 minutes without dizziness. D. Negative results on a single neurocognitive test. Answer: B Explanation: Return-to-play protocols require normal SCAT-5 results on multiple days and a physician’s written clearance to ensure full symptom resolution. Question 51. Which of the following bony landmarks is used to locate the insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle? A) Medial malleolus B) Posterior surface of the calcaneus (Achilles tendon) C) Lateral femoral condyle D) Fibular head Answer: B Explanation: Both gastrocnemius heads converge into the Achilles tendon, which inserts on the posterior calcaneus; palpation of this area confirms the insertion. Question 52. During a heat-acclimatization program, the trainer should increase practice intensity by no more than: A) 5% per day B) 10% per day C) 20% per day