Physical Agents Contraindications and Precautions

Question 1

What is an absolute contraindication of thermotherapy?

Answer 1

impaired mentation, the patient must be able to communicate to you if heat becomes to warm

Question 2

What are the 5 relative contraindications of thermotherapy?

Answer 2

1. recent or potential hemorrhage
2. thrombophlebitis
3. impaired sensation
4. malignant tumor
5. infrared treatment over the eyes

Question 3

try to avoid application of ______ to extremity with edema in dependent position

Answer 3

thermotherapy

Question 4

if pregnant, avoid ________ and treatment in the area of the low back/abdomen

Answer 4

total body heating (thermotherapy)

Question 5

A general precaution for thermotherapy that would require close monitoring

Answer 5

cardiac insufficiency - monitor patient closely, especially if treating large body areas

Question 6

Precautions of thermotherapy if present in the area of treatment…

Answer 6

• acute injury or inflammation
• impaired circulation
• poor thermal regulation
• the presence of metal
• open wound
• topical counterirritants have been applied
• demyelinated nerves

Question 7

5 Absolute contraindications of cryotherapy

Answer 7

1. cold hypersensitivity
2. cold intolerance
3. cryoglobulinemia (abnormal proteins in blood that thicken in cold temps)
4. paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
5. raynaud disease of phenomenon (areas of the body feel numb and cold, small arteries constrict)

Question 8

2 relative contraindications of cryotherapy

Answer 8

• regenerating peripheral nerves

- circulatory compromise or peripheral vascular disease

Question 9

two body precautions for cryotherapy

Answer 9

impaired mentation

very young and very old patients

Question 10

precautions of cyrotherapy

Answer 10

superficial main branch of a nerve
open wound
hypertension
poor sensation

Question 11

Absolute contraindication of ultrasound

Answer 11

malignant tumor (if patient has cancer or signs of cancer do not use, until ruled out by MD)

Question 12

8 relative contraindications of ultrasound

Answer 12

1. pregnancy (do not treat low back, abdomen, pelvis hips)
2. central nervous system tissue (do not apply over spine if prior laminectomy has been performed as spinal cord may be exposed)
3. joint cement
4. Plastic components
5. within 6 inches of pacemaker or implantable cardiac rhythm device (monitor close for dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath)
6. Thrombophlebitis
7. Eyes
8. Reproductive organs

Question 13

4 precautions of ultrasound

Answer 13

• acute inflammation
• epiphyseal plates
• fractures
• breast implants

Question 14

4 Relative contraindications for all electrical stimulation

Answer 14

1. cardiac pacemaker, implantable defibrillator, or unstable arrhythmia (do not use in the vicinity of these devices, may use in extremities with approval from physician)
2. Carotid sinus
3. venous or arterial thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
4. pregnancy (low back/abdomen - TENS may sometimes be used for pain control during labor and delivery)

Question 15

general precaution of electrical stimulation

Answer 15

impaired mentation

Question 16

4 precautions of electrical stimulation

Answer 16

• cardiac disease (monitor pulse, respiratory rate, and overall patient response)
• impaired sensation
• areas of skin irritation
• allergies to adhesives

Question 17

Contraindication of TENS/Interferential current

Answer 17

do not use electrically stimulated muscle contractions for pain control, as with acupuncture-like (low-rate) TENS or Interferential current, when muscle contractions may disrupt healing (e.g. muscle or tendon tear, overuse, or acute injury)

Question 18

Precaution of TENS/Interferential current

Answer 18

malignant tumors
areas of open wounds

• because of the muscle contractions, may cause delayed onset soreness
• because TENS and interferential current can effectively reduce pain, patients may need to be instructed to avoid potentially symptom-aggravating activities

Question 19

2 contraindications of iontophoresis

Answer 19

1. over malignant tumor

2. after intervention that may alter skin permeability

Question 20

Precaution of iontophoresis if used for tissue healing

Answer 20

area of infection (avoid spreading infection)

Question 21

Contraindication of high-volt pulsed current

Answer 21

over malignant tumor

Question 22

precaution of high-volt pulsed current when used for tissue healing

Answer 22

area of infection (avoid spreading infection)

Question 23

Contraindication of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and russian stimulation

Answer 23

do not use electrically stimulated muscle contractions when muscle contraction may disrupt healing (e.g. muscle or tendon tear, overuse, or acute injury)

Question 24

Precaution of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and russian stimulation

Answer 24

• malignant tumors
• areas of open wounds
• may cause delayed-onset muscle soreness