Core Values & Professionalism
This core value involves putting the patient’s needs before your own and volunteering time for community wellness events.
What is altruism
This event sparked the need for rehabilitation services and contributed to the start of the PT profession.
What is World War I or the polio epidemic
This patient-centered attitude from a PTA can positively affect patient outcomes.
What is empathy or a positive and encouraging demeanor
These are the six links in the chain of infection.
What are infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host
Define base of support and how it impacts stability.
What is the area beneath a person that includes every point of contact with the supporting surface
What are the three types of ROM, and how are they different?
What are passive, active, and active-assisted ROM
What is the main difference between short-term and long-term positioning?
What is that short-term is for temporary comfort and access, while long-term prevents complications
What are the four stages of pressure injuries?
What are non-blanchable redness, partial-thickness loss, full-thickness skin loss, and full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone/muscle
How does "professionalism" differ from simply being a “professional”?
What is the consistent display of core values and behaviors beyond job title or education level
This historical shortage led to the creation of the PTA role.
What is the shortage of physical therapists in the 1960s
This term refers to bias or preconceptions that interfere with effective patient interactions.
What is implicit bias
This is the difference between healthcare-associated infections and nosocomial infections
What is that nosocomial infections are acquired in hospitals while HAIs can occur in any healthcare setting
This term describes a pair of muscles that work together to rotate a body part.
What is a force couple
What is a normal end-feel, and give one example.
What is a firm end-feel, like during ankle dorsiflexion
Why is draping important beyond modesty?
What is to maintain dignity, comfort, and therapeutic access
What are the consequences of improper long-term positioning?
What are pressure injuries, contractures, edema, and cardiopulmonary complications
This value reflects a PTA’s commitment to continuing education and staying current in the field.
What is continuing competence
Define “direct access” in the context of physical therapy
What is the ability for patients to receive physical therapy services without a physician’s referral
What does AMAP and ANAP stand for, and how does it guide patient care?
What is “As Much As Possible” and “As Normally As Possible”
What type of PPE is required for a patient with airborne precautions?
What is an N95 respirator or higher-level protection mask
According to Newton’s second law, what equation defines force?
What is F = ma (Force = mass × acceleration)
During a postural screen, what spinal curvatures would indicate poor alignment?
What are excessive thoracic kyphosis or lumbar lordosis
Name three bony landmarks at risk in the prone position for pressure injuries.
What are patellae, iliac crests, and anterior shoulders
Which patient populations are more susceptible to pressure injuries?
What are older adults, immobile patients, and those with sensory deficits
A PTA demonstrates this value when they communicate and share responsibility with the PT regarding a patient's progress.
What is PT/PTA collaboration
This is the current vision statement of the APTA.
What is “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience”
What is the purpose of standard precautions, and how do they relate to infection control?
What is to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases by treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious
What is the most effective way to break the chain of infection?
What is hand hygiene
What’s the difference between tension and compression on body tissues?
What is that tension pulls tissue apart and compression pushes it together
Which component of body mechanics should be assessed when pushing or pulling an object?
What is line of gravity or force direction
When should a chaperone be used during patient care?
What is during sensitive exams or when the patient requests it
What is included in a proper skin assessment?
What is checking color, temperature, moisture, integrity, and bony prominences?
This APTA value involves respecting diverse backgrounds and ensuring equitable care.
What is inclusion
Name one historical trend that contributed to the increasing demand for PTA services.
What is the aging population or increased access to rehabilitation
This certification must be passed to show understanding of confidentiality laws in healthcare.
What is HIPAA certification
This is the appropriate order to don and doff PPE.
What is
gown, mask, goggles, gloves (don)
gloves, goggles, gown, mask (doff)
Give one example of when using CCDD improves both patient and clinician safety.
What is during a sit-to-stand transfer
When would diagonal ROM patterns be preferred over traditional anatomical planes?
What is when functional movement patterns are being targeted
What patient condition would require positioning precautions for total hip arthroplasty?
What is to avoid hip flexion past 90 degrees, adduction, and internal rotation
How often should a dependent patient be repositioned in bed to reduce pressure injury risk?
What is at least every 2 hours