Upon checking the hydrocollator unit the PTA notices that the unit is not getting hot.  The hydrocollator is plugged in, the breaker is operating normally, and the switch is turned ON.  What is the FIRST action the PTA SHOULD take?

PTA measures a burn patient for a custom compression garment.  The expected outcome is to:

History:  Extensive muscle guarding of the cervical paravertebral muscles bilaterally.  Guarding has been present for at least 3 weeks, patient weighs 150 pounds, pain 3/10 Goal:  Decrease muscle spasmPlan of Care:  intermittent tractionThe patient tolerated the first traction treatment well.  Which of the following parameters are recommended for the second treatment of this patient in supine?

History:  Chronic Degenerative Joint Disease at L2 – L3, patient weighs 180 lbs PT Goal: Joint distraction PT Plan of Care:  lumbar traction  Which of the following parameters are recommended for the INITIAL treatment of this patient in supine?

History:  Patient presents with edema & pain with motion following an acute ankle sprain that occurred one day ago.PT Goal: decrease edema & painPT Plan of Care:  Edema control The PTA gives all of the following instructions EXCEPT:

A patient is receiving a home cervical traction unit with a head halter.  The patient asks about what do with their dentures.  The BEST response by the PTA is to instruct the patient to:

In a patient with a resting blood pressure greater than 140/90 mm Hg, blood pressure and heart rate should be checked after application of cervical traction, and treatment should be discontinued if systolic or diastolic blood pressure increases by more than ____ mm Hg or if heart rate increases by more than ____ beats/min.

Given the options below, which modality (or form of) increases the temperature of fat tissue?

The physiological justification to use pulsed non-thermal short-wave diathermy to promote healing, includes all the following EXCEPT: 

When performing compression bandaging for a transtibial amputation, the PTA