NPTE-PT Safety and Professional Responsibilities 2

Question 1

A PT is treating a patient who discloses they are being physically abused at home. What is the PT's primary legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities as required by mandatory reporting laws

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and document the disclosure only

Answer

Refer the patient to a social worker and take no further action

Answer

Discuss the situation with the supervising physician before any action

Question 2

During a treatment session, a patient's blood pressure rises to 190/110 mmHg. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Stop exercise, have the patient rest, and reassess blood pressure within 5 minutes

Answer

Continue the exercise at a lower intensity

Answer

Immediately call 911 without first reassessing

Answer

Document the finding and notify the physician at the end of the day

Question 3

Which action by a PTA requires immediate correction by the supervising PT?

Accepted Answer

Modifying treatment goals without PT consultation or documentation

Answer

Progressing a patient's exercise based on established written parameters

Answer

Providing patient education on a home exercise program

Answer

Documenting a patient's response to treatment in the medical record

Question 4

A PT suspects a colleague is practicing while impaired by alcohol. What is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Follow the facility's protocol for reporting impaired practitioners

Answer

Report directly to the state licensing board

Answer

Confront the colleague privately and document the interaction

Answer

Assume the colleague will self-report and take no action

Question 5

A patient refuses to sign the informed consent form but still wants to proceed with treatment. What should the PT do?

Accepted Answer

Decline to treat until written consent is obtained and document the situation

Answer

Proceed with treatment since the patient verbally agreed

Answer

Document the refusal and proceed if the patient demonstrates understanding

Answer

Have a witness sign on the patient's behalf

Question 6

Which Universal Precaution guideline applies when a PT is treating a patient with an open wound?

Accepted Answer

Gloves must be worn when contact with blood or body fluids is anticipated

Answer

Gloves are only required if the PT has skin breaks

Answer

Mask and gown are always required for open wound care

Answer

Gloves are optional if the wound is covered with a dressing

Question 7

A PT documents treatment in a patient's medical record and later realizes an error was made. What is the correct way to amend the record?

Accepted Answer

Draw a single line through the error, write 'error,' initial and date it, then add the correct entry

Answer

Use correction fluid to cover the error and rewrite the correct information

Answer

Delete the original entry and replace it with the corrected version

Answer

Leave the error and add a separate note explaining the mistake at the end of the record