A patient informs a physical therapist assistant how frustrated she feels after being examined by her physician. The patient explains that she becomes so nervous, she cannot ask any questions during scheduled office visits. The MOST appropriate response is to:

A physical therapist assistant is treating a 45-year-old male who sustained a traumatic injury to his right shoulder while playing basketball one week ago. The patient presents with pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm globally in the shoulder. The MOST appropriate intervention is:

A physical therapist assistant reviews the medical record of a patient diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease prior to initiating treatment. Which objective finding would MOST severely limit the patient’s ability to participate in an ambulation exercise program?

A physical therapist assistant works with a patient diagnosed with congestive heart failure who presents with dyspnea during ambulation. The patient has an ejection fraction of less than 55 percent. Which of the following interventions would be the MOST appropriate?

A physical therapist assistant concludes that a patient exhibits dysmetria after performing a number of specific tests. Which test would be LEAST helpful to confirm the physical therapist assistant’s conclusion?

A physical therapist assistant reviews a patient coverage form that lists the parameters used during a recent ultrasound treatment to the right anterior shoulder: 1.5 W/cm2, pulsed 20%, 1 MHz, 6 minutes. Assuming the objective of the ultrasound was to increase tissue temperature, which parameter would be the MOST critical for the physical therapist assistant to alter?

A physical therapist assistant discusses the plan of care for a 61-year-old male diagnosed with spinal stenosis with the referring physician. During the discussion the physician shows the physical therapist assistant a picture of the patient’s spine obtained through computed tomography. What color would vertebrae appear when using this imaging technique?

A physical therapist assistant discusses the use of a topical moisturizer with a patient to combat dryness and itching of the skin in the area of a healed burn. Which scenario would MOST likely require the use of a moisturizer for an indefinite period?

A patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis exhibits a forward stooped posture. As part of the patient’s established plan of care the physical therapist assistant implements a number of active exercises that promote improved posture. Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern would be the MOST appropriate to achieve the established objective?

A physical therapist assistant instructs a patient diagnosed with C6 tetraplegia in functional activities. Which of the following activities would be LEAST appropriate?