Standard

PTA 204 - Clinical Practicum I

Course Description

Provides clinical experience under the supervision of a registered physical therapist and/or registered physical therapist assistant in local health care facilities to observe and practice skills learned in class and laboratory sessions. Topics include: patient preparation, treatment area preparation, equipment preparation, goniometric measurements, vital signs, transfers/body mechanics, therapeutic heat and cold, sterile techniques, interpersonal communication skills, perfect note writing, and treatment modification.

Competency Areas		Hours
Patient Preparation		Class	0
Treatment Area Preparation		D. Lab	0
Equipment Preparation		P. Lab/O.B.I.	8
Goniometric Measurements		Credit	2
Vital Signs
Transfers/Body Mechanics
Therapeutic Heat and Cold
Sterile Techniques
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Perfect Note Writing
Treatment Modification
Prerequisite:	PTA 102, PTA 103, PTA 104 (a physical exam and an approved CPR course must be completed prior to clinical affiliation)
Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.
PATIENT PREPARATION		0	0	4
Psychological	Apply psychological principles in self-understanding and in developing communication with patients, families, the public, and other health team members.
	Demonstrate basic understanding of physical therapy policies and procedures.
	Explain the importance of documentation.
	Develop proper telephone communication, etiquette, and ability to schedule patients locally.
	List and describe the essential components of patient documentation.
TREATMENT AREA PREPARATION		0	0	4
Preparation	Prepare treatment area observing universal precautions.
EQUIPMENT PREPARATION		0	0	4
Preparation	Prepare equipment to be used in treatment applications.
GONIOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS		0	0	9
Measurements	Perform goniometric measurements in head, neck, and trunk areas on a human subject in a laboratory setting.
	Perform goniometric measurements in shoulder girdle, elbow and forearm areas on a human subject in a laboratory setting.
	Perform goniometric measurements in wrist and hand areas on a human subject in a laboratory setting.
	Perform goniometric measurements in pelvis and hip areas on a human subject in a laboratory setting.
	Perform goniometric measurements in lower extremity areas on a human subject in a laboratory setting.
	Perform gross muscle tests.
VITAL SIGNS		0	0	7
Blood pressure	Perform blood pressure test. Monitor and record blood pressure.
Pulse	Perform pulse count.
Respirations	Perform respiration count.
Temperature	Perform body temperature test.
TRANSFERS/BODY MECHANICS		0	0	11
Transfers	Perform or assist with any type of transfers while practicing good body mechanics.
	Demonstrate all of the following transfer techniques safely and effectively a. three man transfer b. two man lift c. standing pivot transfer and d. sliding board transfer.
	Demonstrate and apply proper body mechanics in daily activities.
	Describe the types of transfers and explain rationale for each transfer a. three man transfer b. two man lift c. standing pivot transfer and d. sliding board transfer.
	Describe levels of assistance required for standing pivot transfer and sliding board transfer.
THERAPEUTIC HEAT AND COLD		0	0	11
Administer	Administer therapeutic heat and cold a. hot packs b. cold packs c. paraffin d. contrast baths and e. whirlpools.
	Describe effects, indications, and contraindications of hot packs.
	Describe and demonstrate safe and appropriate technique for hot pack application.
	Demonstrate hot pack cleaning and worn unit replacement.
	Define cryotherapy.
	List indications and contraindications for cryotherapy.
	Describe and demonstrate safe and effective technique for cold pack application.
STERILE TECHNIQUES		0	0	8
Application	Perform sterile techniques.
	Prepare sterile field and sterile equipment.
	Demonstrate appropriate procedures for administering sterile whirlpool treatments.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS		0	0	7
Application	Develop written skills using medical terminology and proper format.
	Apply psychosocial principles in self-understanding and in developing communication with patients, families, the public, and other health team members.
PERFECT NOTE WRITING		0	0	6
Application	Apply the problem oriented medical record (POMR) method of record keeping.
	List advantages for POMR method of record keeping.
	Apply the SOAP format for note writing.
TREATMENT MODIFICATION		0	0	9
Physiological state	Report acute changes in physiological state.
Modification	Modify treatment techniques as indicated in the plan of care.

Suggested Resources

Refer to institute's clinical evaluation manual for practicum specific resources.

Book

Rothstein, J. M., et al. (1991). The rehabilitation specialist's handbook. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.