Non-Systems (Safety)

Question 1

A physical therapist works with a patient who is hospitalized due to a recent left total knee arthroplasty. During the history, the patient reports that his calf is very painful. The physical therapist immediately examines the calf and notes that it is red, hot, and swollen. What is the MOST appropriate therapist action?

1.Teach the patient ankle pumps in an elevated position to reduce the edema
2.Discontinue the examination and contact the physician
3.Contact the physician after completing the full examination
4.Apply an ice pack to the calf for 10-15 minutes and reassess

Answer 1

Discontinue the examination and contact the physician

• Physical therapists must be able to recognize signs and symptoms of emergent conditions and respond appropriately in order to limit patient safety risks. This scenario is indicative of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• requires immediate medical assessment. The physical therapist should discontinue the examination and contact the patient’s physician.
• If you continue the examination you will be delaying medical assessment and increases the patient’s risk for developing complications.

Question 2

appropriate ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths for infants during single rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

Answer 2

30 compression: 2 breaths (for single rescuer)

15 compressions: 2 breaths (2 person rescuer team)