Patient Selection & Contraindications Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Selection & Contraindications flashcards as text
A patient with a history of epilepsy requests laser therapy. What is the primary concern?
Answer: Laser light may trigger photosensitive seizures
Photosensitive epilepsy is a contraindication because pulsed or stroboscopic laser light can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.
Which skin condition is an absolute contraindication for laser therapy over the affected area?
Answer: Active herpes simplex outbreak
Active herpes simplex lesions are a contraindication because laser energy can spread the virus and worsen the outbreak.
A patient is taking St. John's Wort. Why is this relevant to laser therapy patient selection?
Answer: It is a photosensitizing supplement that increases skin sensitivity
St. John's Wort is a known photosensitizer that can increase the skin's sensitivity to light energy, raising the risk of adverse reactions.
Laser therapy is generally contraindicated over which anatomical landmark?
Answer: The thyroid gland
Direct laser irradiation over the thyroid gland is contraindicated due to potential disruption of thyroid tissue function.
A 35-year-old woman in her first trimester of pregnancy presents for knee pain. What is the appropriate course of action?
Answer: Defer laser therapy for the duration of the pregnancy
Pregnancy is a systemic contraindication, and laser therapy should be deferred for the entire duration regardless of treatment location.
Which patient scenario requires special caution before treating the low back with laser therapy?
Answer: Patient has a lumbar spinal cord stimulator implant
Electronic implants such as spinal cord stimulators can be damaged or malfunction when exposed to laser energy in the vicinity.
A patient reports recent cortisone injection at the treatment site 3 days ago. What should the therapist do?
Answer: Postpone laser therapy for at least 2 weeks post-injection
Recent corticosteroid injections temporarily alter tissue response, and a waiting period of at least 2 weeks is recommended before laser treatment at that site.