Stroke Assessment

The stroke patient is referred to acute physical therapy. Upon initial examination and evaluation of the patient, the physical therapist (PT) is responsible for determining the nature, status, and extent of the stroke. Based on the patient history, review of systems, and the results of the tests and measures of the examination, the PT makes a “clinical judgment” based on the collected data. A diagnosis and prognosis is established once consultation with other health professionals, such as a neurologist, is reviewed. A plan of care is designed and short- and long-term goals are outlined. Physical therapy goals may include performance in transitioning between sitting and standing, posture, balancing while standing and walking, and improved gait
This section states what physical therapist assistant are not allowed to. In the interest of saving space for my two other topics I will simply list a few from the list. The physical therapist assistant can not collect patient data prior to the physical therapist evaluation, document patient evaluation and reevaluation, write a discharge summary, and establish or change a plan of care.
The second section which caught my eye was Section 2620 of the Business and Professions (B&P) Code. Essentially this section states the extent of how much advice a licensed physical therapist in California can provide through the Internet or telephone. Again, I will simply list a few topics from the list. A physical therapist can instruct a person how to obtain physical therapy care in the State of California, can cite a possible range of treatment available, and offer wellness
Pressure ulcers should be cleansed and dressed in a way that provides a moist healing environment. Some pressure-relieving devices might include seat cushions, pre manufactured or custom cut foam, or air mattresses. The patient should be turned every 2 hours with equal time on each side. For positioning, the "rule of 30" is used. This means that the head of the bed is elevated to 30 degrees or less and the body is placed in a 30-degree laterally inclined position, when repositioned to either side. The PTA would make modifications to selected interventions either to progress the patient as directed by the PT or to ensure patient safety and comfort. A Physical Therapy Aid would assist in measuring, fitting, and reconditioning devices such as wheelchairs or foam cuts used by the