AHPT 206 - Pathophysiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant

Credit(s): 3

Prerequisite(s): AHPT 105.
Corequisite(s): AHPT 101, AHPT 205, AHPT 210, and AHPT 218.
This course introduces students to the pathophysiology; etiology; clinical signs and symptoms; and management of selected pathological and injury-related disorders treated in physical therapy. Pathologies discussed include disorders of the following systems: immune, endocrine, integumentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, hematologic, musculoskeletal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, renal and urologic, and nervous. The course includes student presentations on disorders pertinent to physical therapy as well as discussions on specific case studies applying the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and how they apply to the treatment of certain diseases. (Fall Semester)

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Describe the role of physical therapy in the treatment of various pathophysiological conditions.
Define etiology, prevalence in special populations, and the role of physical therapy through the course assignments.
Apply pathophysiology knowledge with the implementation of physical therapy interventions using critical thinking skills.
Identify clinically relevant common pathological disorders and/or diseases of the body’s major organ systems (nervous, respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, hematologic, endocrine, immune, integumentary, lymphatic, hepatic and biliary, gastrointestinal, genital and reproductive, renal and urologic, and other) seen in physical therapy practice in regard to their signs, symptoms, complications, and common treatments seen in the medical community.
Complete an assignment utilizing current health care literature (with emphasis on peer reviewed journals) on an issue related to a specific pathology; addressing its effect on the human body, and how it is typically treated in physical therapy.
Describe the pathophysiology of various neoplasms.
Discuss specific case studies relating the APTA’s Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant and how it relates to treatment of certain diseases.
Describe how responses to common pathologic conditions may vary with age, gender and race.
Discuss the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe a patient’s/client’s impairments, activity, and participation limitations, including influences of cultural, socioeconomic, physical, and emotional factors, as it may influence treatment outcomes.
Differentiate among common types of pharmacological agents including indications, actions, and side effects, and how they could potentially affect clinical decision-making by the physical therapist assistant.
Review patient health records and apply knowledge of lab values, diagnostic tests, and reports from health care professionals of various disciplines to answer questions in a case study/scenario.