Physical Therapist assistants understand the importance of kinesiological concepts and their APPLICATION to clinical practice







Physical therapist assistants must be aware of the variable consequences of passive insufficiency. The application of their knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology is a potent component of assessment and intervention.



In certain clinical settings, physical therapist assistants may need to be familiar with blood values as indicators of patient rehabilitation tolerance and readiness.





Complete Blood Count (CBC) Panel





In your Anatomy and Physiology II class you learned (or will learn) about blood and its component parts known as the formed elements. The functions of the formed elements may certainly affect the rehabilitation process.



A BRIEF SUMMARY OF CBC ELEMENTS







Palpation of superficial artery pulses and recognition of integumentary signs of vascular compromise are important physical therapist assistant skills.



Especially when administering physical agents to or through the skin, physical therapist assistants must constantly assess the status of their patients’ skin. Physical therapist assistants must be especially sensitive to certain integumentary vascular compromise. Common signs of vascular compromise include:


diminished/irregular peripheral pulses


cyanosis


shiny skin


thinning skin


redness


edema


pallor


cool to touch


blanching


delayed capillary re-fill












Decubitus Ulcers -- Extreme Consequences of Vascular Compromise to the Integument



Physical therapist assistants may not be involved in primary management of decubitus ulcers, they may indeed be involved in primary, secondary, and aspects of tertiary prevention interventions.



Stage 1: Skin appears red or pink, but there isn’t an open wound. It may be hard for people with darker skin to see a color change. Skin may be tender to the touch with noticeable temperature change.

Stage 2: Shallow wound with a pink or red base. Epidermal-dermal separation characterized by blistering may be noted.

Stage 3: Deeper wound that infiltrates the hypodermics


Stage 4: Deep wound that penetrates the skin and hypodermis potentially exposing muscle, tendon and bone.









-CHECKPOINT-



This is a good time to pause and assess your knowledge of key concepts. Below are links to a few learning activities that might assist your mastery of the material.


Completing some of the tasks may also earn you class participation credit! However, most importantly it will assist in your learning.


You should attempt to complete the assignments without using your text, notes, etc., as they are designed to test your knowledge—just like taking a test in class—but without the grade consequences.


Tasks include mock exams, games, clinical scenarios, and more. Click/tap on the activities and see how much you know



Multiple Choice
Assessment Scramble
Short Answer Questions