Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

What is the role of a supervising therapist when a physical therapist assistant encounters a change in a patient’s condition?

1. To handle all patient interactions directly

2. To be contacted for consultation

3. To approve treatment through email

4. To report to the facility manager

The correct answer is: To be contacted for consultation

The role of a supervising therapist when a physical therapist assistant notices a change in a patient's condition is to be contacted for consultation. This is essential in ensuring that the patient receives the most appropriate and safe intervention based on the change in their condition. The supervising therapist has the expertise and responsibility to assess the situation further and make informed decisions regarding the patient's care. In this context, direct communication allows for timely adjustments in the treatment plan, if necessary, ensuring that the patient's health and well-being are prioritized. It underscores the important collaborative relationship between the therapist and the assistant based on shared responsibility for patient care. Other possible options, such as handling all patient interactions directly, would limit the assistant's role and hinder efficient teamwork. Approving treatment through email might lead to delays in addressing urgent changes in a patient's condition, and reporting to the facility manager does not focus on the immediate need for clinical assessment and intervention regarding patient care. Thus, the consultation with a supervising therapist is the appropriate and effective action in response to noted changes in a patient's status.