A physical therapist assistant attempts to assess a patient’s relative risk for developing coronary artery disease. Which patient scenario would result in the patient being at the greatest risk?

A patient diagnosed with C5 tetraplegia receives physical therapy services in a rehabilitation hospital. The patient has made good progress in therapy and is scheduled for discharge in one week. During a treatment session, the patient informs the physical therapist assistant that one day in the future he will walk again. The MOST appropriate response is:

A physical therapist assistant attempts to assess the integrity of the vestibulocochlear nerve by administering the Rinne test on a patient with a suspected upper motor neuron lesion. After striking the tine of the tuning fork to begin vibration, which bony prominence should the physical therapist assistant utilize to position the stem of the tuning fork?

A physical therapist assistant employed in an acute care hospital reviews the results of recent laboratory testing for one of his patients. A note in the medical record indicates that the patient was dehydrated at the time the blood sample was taken. Which finding would be MOST likely based on the patient’s hydration status?

A physical therapist assistant employed in an acute care hospital interviews a patient referred to physical therapy. During the discussion, the physical therapist assistant asks the patient if he feels dependent on coffee, tea or soft drinks. Which clinical scenario would MOST appropriately warrant this type of question?

A physical therapist assistant assesses a patient’s upper extremity deep tendon reflexes. The MOST appropriate location to elicit the brachioradialis reflex is the:

A physical therapist assistant completes a cognitive function test on a patient status post stroke. As part of the test, the physical therapist assistant assesses the patient’s abstract ability. Which of the following tasks would be the MOST appropriate?

A physical therapist assistant discusses the plan of care for a patient rehabilitating from total hip arthroplasty surgery (posterolateral approach) with the patient’s surgeon. During the discussion the surgeon indicates that he would like the patient to continue to wear a knee immobilizer in order to help prevent hip dislocation. The PRIMARY rationale for this action is:

A physical therapist assistant discusses pain management for a patient following total hip arthroplasty with the patient’s nurse. Which objective finding would make the use of patient controlled analgesia MOST unrealistic?

A physical therapist assistant observes a patient with a transtibial amputation ambulating in the physical therapy gym. The physical therapist assistant notices that the patient cannot maintain full knee extension during the loading response on the prosthetic side. The MOST likely rationale for the observation is: