PTA Critical Thinking 5

Question 1

A patient on anticoagulant therapy develops unexpected bruising after soft tissue massage. The BEST action is to:

Accepted Answer

Discontinue massage and report the finding to the supervising PT

Answer

Increase pressure to stimulate circulation and reduce bruising

Answer

Switch to a lighter massage technique and continue

Answer

Apply heat to the bruised area to promote absorption

Question 2

During balance training, a fall-risk patient begins to lose balance unexpectedly. The PTA's FIRST priority is to:

Accepted Answer

Guard and assist the patient to prevent a fall

Answer

Document the near-fall and continue the session as planned

Answer

Instruct the patient to stop all activity immediately

Answer

Call the supervising PT before taking any physical action

Question 3

A patient reports performing home exercises consistently but shows no functional improvement. The BEST critical thinking approach for the PTA is to:

Accepted Answer

Assess exercise technique and report the lack of progress to the supervising PT

Answer

Assume the patient is being dishonest about their compliance

Answer

Increase supervised sessions without informing the PT

Answer

Tell the patient to exercise more intensely on their own

Question 4

A PTA treating a post-surgical knee patient notices the incision site is red, warm, and has increased drainage. The MOST appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the finding, avoid the area, and notify the supervising PT promptly

Answer

Apply a warm compress to improve circulation around the site

Answer

Continue treatment because some redness is expected during normal healing

Answer

Ask the patient if they would like to stop the session

Question 5

Which approach BEST demonstrates critical thinking when an intervention is not producing the expected outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Analyze contributing factors and consult the supervising PT for plan review

Answer

Repeat the same intervention more frequently to give it more time

Answer

Switch to a new intervention independently without informing the PT

Answer

Discharge the patient as not appropriate for physical therapy

Question 6

A patient asks the PTA to explain their specific diagnosis and long-term prognosis in detail. The PTA should:

Accepted Answer

Redirect the patient to discuss diagnosis and prognosis questions with the supervising PT

Answer

Provide a comprehensive medical explanation based on the PT's initial evaluation

Answer

Advise the patient to search for information online

Answer

Refuse to answer any clinical questions from the patient

Question 7

A PTA determines that a patient has fully achieved all goals listed in the current plan of care. The MOST appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the supervising PT that the patient may be ready for discharge or goal revision

Answer

Continue treatment indefinitely to prevent regression

Answer

Add new functional goals independently without consulting the PT

Answer

Discharge the patient without informing the supervising PT