PCE Safety and Compliance 2

Question 1

A patient using a walker reports the rubber tips are worn smooth. What is the physiotherapist's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Replace the walker tips before continuing ambulation

Answer

Worn rubber tips reduce friction and significantly increase fall risk, so they must be replaced before continued use.

Question 2

Under HIPAA, which action by a physiotherapist constitutes a privacy breach?

Accepted Answer

Faxing records to a patient's specialist without authorization

Answer

Transmitting identifiable health information to a third party without patient authorization violates HIPAA privacy rules.

Question 3

A physiotherapist notices a colleague documenting treatments that were not performed. The best initial course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the concern through the facility's incident reporting system

Answer

Fraudulent documentation must be reported through proper channels to protect patient safety and maintain professional integrity.

Question 4

When using electrical stimulation near a patient's cardiac pacemaker, the physiotherapist should:

Accepted Answer

Avoid electrical stimulation in the thoracic region and consult the cardiologist

Answer

Electrical modalities can interfere with pacemaker function; the cardiologist must be consulted and thoracic application avoided.

Question 5

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when performing wound debridement in a clinical physiotherapy setting?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, mask, and protective eyewear

Answer

Wound debridement risks exposure to blood-borne pathogens through splatter, requiring gloves, mask, and eye protection.

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test