Title: The Role of the PTA in Assessment
Course: PHT 1007 Topics in Physical Therapy > Section: Module 14

Introduction

This module continues a review of the role of the physical therapist assistant but focuses more on the various assessments that must take place during patient care. The physical therapist assistant must be able to recognize changes in a patient’s status, know when and how to modify or progress treatment, and know when it is necessary to communicate with the supervising physical therapist. These topics of discussion will also be considerations for you in all of your other courses throughout this program---everything we do in patient treatment relies on our ability to interact with patients. Even when you are learning about physical agents or therapeutic exercise or transfers and gait---all of it involves your ability to appropriately assess based on your observation and critical thinking skills while working with patients.

Objectives

To successfully complete this module, you will be expected to:

- Define assessment
- List the signs of inflammation
- Differentiate between acute and chronic signs and symptoms
- Recognize normal vs. abnormal signs or symptoms
- Describe characteristics of edema
- Recognize different properties of pain
- Recognize red flag pain symptoms
- Recognize abnormal response to exercise

Readings

Module14_PTA Role.pdf

Assignments

- Complete Readings
- Post and reply in Discussion 14: Assessing patient progress
- Complete Quiz 14: The role of the PTA