Clinical Questions

Question 1

How would you deal with a patient that doesnt think they are ready for discharge?…but as the clinician you do.

Answer 1

Reassure their parents. Ask them if there is anything else they need at home for support. Give mother example-extra training.

Question 2

How would you describe whether a patient is ready for discharge or not?

Answer 2

Do you mean from a physio point of view or a medical point of view
Establishing a patient’s baselines
If they are able to go home and there is nothing that we are adding to their treatment. For example, once shown deep breathing exercises, this is something they can do at home.

Question 3

What was the hardest thing you recalled about clinical placements?

Answer 3

The hardest part of clinical placements was dealing with death. Everyone is so numb to the idea of it. However, I’ve found it really helps to talk to people about it and reflect on it.

Question 4

How would you deal with a patient that is not adhering to your suggested treatment plan?

Answer 4

It would depend on the type of patient and the reason why
For example if a child really didn’t like just doing mobs I’d see if there was something exciting we could do, for example doing some dancing together or making a little exercise plan. Making the patient involved.

Question 5

Suctioning contraindications

Answer 5

Pharyngeal obstruction
Acute pulmonary edema
Base of skull fractures (use OPA only, NPA / nasal suction contraindicated)

Question 6

Paediatric red flags for respiratory distress

Answer 6

head bobbing in babies
tracheal tug  
nasal flaring 
subcostal/ intercostal recession 
substernal recession
grunting

Question 7

Assessments

Answer 7

You would look at their vitals, respiratory assessment, notes, chest x ray

Question 8

What are the indications for long term ventilation?

Answer 8

neuromuscular disease- dystrophy, atrophy
airway/ pulmonary abnormalities
central abnormalities

Question 9

What event has changed your understanding of physiotherapy since you started the course?

Answer 9

I understood before starting this course that it was our role to show empathy and help people. I didn’t realise quite how much little things can help people. How it is not only the actual treatment you do but also how you speak to people. Giving them help or finding things out.

Question 10

When are a babies lungs fully formed?

Answer 10

week 35
week 24- The lungs are developing branches of the respiratory tree and alveolar cells that produce surfactant.
week 25- Blood vessels of the lungs develop
week 28 - Branches of lungs are becoming more mature