Chapter 3,10,11 Flashcards
What is the definition of diagnosis in physical therapy?
A: Diagnosis is the recognition of specific signs and symptoms that correlate with an identifiable disease or disorder. It involves differentiating similar signs and symptoms into a pattern that guides intervention.
this type of diagnosis is the process of comparing and contrasting patient data to appropriately include or exclude conditions, which helps develop an appropriate intervention strategy
differential diagnosis
What role do Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) play in differential diagnosis?
PTAs contribute by collecting data, assisting with assessments, and communicating findings to the physical therapist. PTAs must also develop problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills.
What is the main focus of physical therapy practice
Physical therapy practice focuses on musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems, and spans acute, rehabilitative, and chronic phases of patient care
What are the five key components of the Patient Management Process
What are the five key components of the Patient Management Process
is a comprehensive screening that includes tests, measures, and data collection from multiple sources such as the patient, family, and medical records.
Examination
assesses the patient’s overall health status, phase of healing, severity of pathology, systems involvement, and preexisting conditions or comorbidities
Evaluation
provides a label for recognizing specific signs and symptoms and helps differentiate between medical and physical therapy diagnoses
Diagnosis
predicts the outcome of the physical therapy plan of care (POC), including specific, measurable goals based on the patient’s condition
Prognosis
are actions taken by the PT or PTA (under supervision) to improve or resolve specific problems. They may involve collaboration with other healthcare providers.
interventions
skills including observation, listening, manual proficiency (e.g., ROM, MMT), motor and sensory screening, palpation, and communication
Key Assessment Skills
involves attentiveness, duplication, clarification, perception, summarization, and interest, which helps ensure clear understanding and effective communication
Active Listening
should include defensible documentation elements such as legibility, documentation of clinical decision-making, interventions, complications, goals, and changes in client status
Written Communication
warning signs that may indicate serious or emergent conditions, such as infections, inflammation, cancer, heart attack, or fractures, and warrant immediate referral
Red Flags
warning signs that suggest caution in treatment but are generally not as serious as red flags. Examples include sleep disturbances or low-grade fever
Yellow Flags
are observable findings (e.g., swelling, bruising
Signs
symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, fainting, fatigue, cyanosis, and edema.
Red Flags for Myocardial Infraction
affect the entire body and may indicate systemic disease. Examples include fever, malaise, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats.
constitutional symptoms
reported by the patient and may not be visible (e.g., pain, fatigue).
Symptoms
What is the purpose of monitoring vital signs in physical therapy?
Vital signs provide an objective overview of cardiopulmonary function and body temperature, helping establish baseline data and monitor the patient’s condition during the episode of care
response including redness, swelling (edema), pain, and elevated skin temperature. It typically follows injury or trauma.
Inflammatory Response
How do infection symptoms compare to inflammation
infection symptoms mimic inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and elevated temperature) but require careful monitoring, especially after musculoskeletal surgery
is a clot in a deep vein, often following surgery or injury, and can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism, stroke, or myocardial infarction.
Deep vein Thrombosis
is chronic swelling, typically of an extremity, caused by obstruction in the lymphatic system. It can be primary (genetic) or secondary (due to trauma or surgery)
Lymphedema
