AHPT 201 - Physical Therapist Assisting II/Lab

• Identify the differences between work hardening and work conditioning along with which assessments are made within industrial medicine.
• Identify pathological factors and physical barriers leading to postural malalignments within the area of ergonomics; recognize safety and barriers in work environments.
• Describe physiology, factors influencing, and disease processes associated with the respiratory system.
• Demonstrate correct airway clearance techniques including breathing exercises, coughing techniques, and secretion mobilization.
• Demonstrate competence in implementing interventions using the following biophysical agents identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist: Biofeedback, Electrotherapeutic agents, Deep thermal agents, Mechanical traction, Light therapies
• Identify and integrate appropriate evidenced based resources to support clinical-decision making in the use of biophysical agents and other modalities within the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
• Integrate knowledge of data collection/tests and measures related to gait and locomotion including safety, status, and progression.
• Demonstrate knowledge of normal and pathological gait patterns and identify therapeutic exercises and activities specific to individual deficits in gait and locomotion performance.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate application of prosthetic and orthotic devices to the upper and lower extremities to help augment functional activities.
• Demonstrate competence in implementing the following manual therapy techniques within the plan of care established by the physical therapist: therapeutic massage, soft tissue mobilization, and manual traction.
• Identify strategies in lymphedema management including indications, contraindications, and precautions.
• Identify abnormal breathing patterns, detect signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, and activities that aggravate/relieve edema, pain, dyspnea, or other respiratory symptoms ; describe throacoabdominal movements and breathing patterns with activity, and cough and sputum characteristics.
• Identify principles of cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation, including safe and appropriate interventions during the various phases of rehabilitation.
• Differentiate between normal and abnormal physiological responses for patients with cardiovascular and respiratory system pathologies, through observation and the collection of data including vital signs, during the performance of aerobic capacity and endurance activities in a laboratory setting.
• Identify emergency situations as they relate to patient safety, contraindications of treatment, and patient response through various case scenarios relating to application of biophysical agents, cardiovascular training and cardiac and pulmonary rehab.
• Complete accurate documentation of interventions provided regarding application of biophysical agents and manual therapy techniques within the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
• Apply clinical knowledge to appropriately adjust parameters in the application of biophysical agents as indicated by patient response, and recognize whether interventions are effective in progressing the patient toward goals within the plan of care.
• Utilize clinical reasoning processes to implement appropriate changes within the treatment intervention established by the physical therapist based on the patient’s clinical changes (functional, physical, emotional) to provide comprehensive management in patient scenarios.
• Interview the patient/client to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status to determine safety and effectiveness of the chosen intervention within the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
• Communicate effectively with the patient/client to ensure that he or she understands the reason for the selected interventions and any risks involved.
• Monitor and adjust interventions within the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications, including assessment of comfort and pain levels in response to interventions.
• Integrate knowledge of wound management considerations in the application of physical agents for tissue repair including sterile technique and dressing application/removal.
• Demonstrate ability to increase patient and healthcare provider safety in the clinical setting, including proper maintenance and application of biophysical devices and equipment.