IHSA Treatment Planning & Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When developing a treatment plan for a construction worker with a repetitive strain injury, which element should be prioritized FIRST?
- Immediate return-to-work scheduling
- Comprehensive functional assessment (Correct answer)
- Prescription of anti-inflammatory medication
- Referral to a specialist
Correct answer: Comprehensive functional assessment
A comprehensive functional assessment establishes baseline deficits and guides all subsequent treatment decisions.
Question 2: A treatment protocol for a worksite injury should be reviewed and updated at minimum:
- Every 5 years
- Only when the injury recurs
- At each follow-up or when the worker's condition changes (Correct answer)
- Once the worker is discharged
Correct answer: At each follow-up or when the worker's condition changes
Protocols must be dynamic and updated at each follow-up to reflect changes in functional status and goals.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a 'graduated return-to-work' plan?
- Immediate full-duty reinstatement
- A phased increase in work duties matching the worker's recovery (Correct answer)
- A plan that delays return until full recovery
- A plan created solely by the employer
Correct answer: A phased increase in work duties matching the worker's recovery
Graduated return-to-work progressively increases job demands in alignment with the worker's improving functional capacity.
Question 4: In IHSA-aligned treatment protocols, the term 'functional goal' refers to:
- A clinical measurement of pain level
- An observable task the worker aims to perform at a defined level (Correct answer)
- The total number of therapy sessions scheduled
- The worker's personal satisfaction score
Correct answer: An observable task the worker aims to perform at a defined level
Functional goals are specific, observable tasks that directly relate to the worker's job or daily activities.
Question 5: A coach notices a worker's treatment plan does not address ergonomic modifications. The BEST next step is to:
- Discharge the worker immediately
- Refer to a physician only
- Collaborate with occupational health to integrate ergonomic recommendations (Correct answer)
- Wait for the employer to request changes
Correct answer: Collaborate with occupational health to integrate ergonomic recommendations
Integrating ergonomic modifications through occupational health collaboration addresses root causes and prevents re-injury.
Question 6: Which documentation component is essential to justify continuation of treatment in a work-related injury case?
- Worker's personal narrative only
- Measurable progress toward functional goals (Correct answer)
- Employer's satisfaction report
- Number of sessions completed
Correct answer: Measurable progress toward functional goals
Measurable progress toward defined functional goals is the standard justification for ongoing treatment.
Question 7: Under IHSA guidelines, a 'treatment plateau' indicates that:
- The worker has achieved maximum medical improvement (Correct answer)
- Temporary setbacks have occurred
- The worker should increase session frequency
- The coach should change the treatment diagnosis
Correct answer: The worker has achieved maximum medical improvement
A treatment plateau signals that maximum medical improvement has been reached and further treatment may not yield functional gains.
IHSA Treatment Planning & Protocols 2
When developing a treatment plan for a construction worker with a repetitive strain injury, which element should be prioritized FIRST?