Physical Therapy Aide Study Guide

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Topical Breakdown

Use the following topical guide to help you prepare for the exam:

I.  History Of Physical Therapy/Ethics (2%)

• Mary McMillan
• Code of Hammurabi

II.  Physical Therapists (1%)

• PT must have a Bachelor’s Degree.
• PT supervises Physical Therapy Aide.

III.  Specialists (1%)

• What is a specialist?
• Specialty medicines: Family Practice, Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine, Orthopedics

IV.  Physical Therapy (3%)

• Physician is responsible for outlining rehab program and ordering PT.
• Physical Therapy Aide may not change PT plan.
• Does application of cold pack require physician order?
• What are manual grading system ratings used for?

V.  Medical Terminology (18%)

• Derived from Greek & Latin
• Abbreviations: prn, qd, c, s
• Prefixes: hyper-, hypo-, anti-, inter-, myo-, osteo-, arthro-, costo-.
• Suffixes: -logist, -itis, -pathy, -logy, -plasty, -tomy, -ectomy
• Anatomical planes: transverse, sagittal, frontal, coronal
• Anatomical directions: anterior, posterior, distal, proximal, superior, inferior, lateral, media

VI.  Communication (3%)

• Forms of communication: empathy, body language, tact, patience
• Appointment book: openings vs. scheduled

VII.  Infection Control (2%)

• Best way to break the chain of infection.
• Growth conditions for microorganisms.
• Define pathogen & non-pathogen.

VIII.  Orthotics (8%)

• Parallel bars
• Crutches (gaits: 2 point, 3 point, 4 point, swing through)
• Crutch training
• Lofstrand crutches (also known as?)
• Walkers (elbow extension, ever used on stairs, Hemi walker)
• Canes: Gait cycle, Parkinsonian gait, Coxalgic gait
• Which orthotic provides the most stability to patient?
• Proper placement of gait belt to lift patient
• What are ambulatory devises used for?

IX.  Body Alignment (2%)

• Define good body alignment.
• Define good body mechanics.
• Use leg muscles.
• Squat, do not bend.

X.  Exercises/Rom/Reflexes/Treatments (18%)

• Describe: Isometric, progressive, and active/passive ROM
• Describe: Eversion, inversion, supination, and pronation
• Describe: Achilles, Babinski, and Patellar reflexes
• Describe: Ultrasound treatment, Infrared treatment
• Define: Rotation, extension, hyperextension, flexion, hyperflexion, abduction, adduction
• Define therapeutic treatments and the healing process.

XI.  Patient Care (2%)

• Proper time for using a drape on patient
• What is orthostatic hypotension?
• Correct temperature of therapeutic pools

XII.  Skeletal System (11%)

• How many bones are in the human body?
• Skeletal muscles make up what percentage of body weight?
• How many vertebrae are in the: cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine?
• What is the total number of vertebrae in the human body?
• What is the name of C-1 vertebra?
• What is the name of C-2 vertebra?
• Which bones are included in the axial skeleton?
• Is the pisiform part of the axial or appendicular skeleton?
• Where is the latissimus dorsi located?
• Describe the following curvatures of the spine: lordosis, kyphosis, & scoliosis.
• How many carpals are in the wrist?
• What is the name of the only movable bone in the head?
• The tibia is medial to which bone?
• The fibula is proximal to ______.
• The elbow, knee, and jaw are examples of ________ articulation.
• Location of metacarpals, metatarsals, phalanges, and acetabulum.
• Fractures: What is the difference in a simple, closed, and open fracture?
• Describe: Greenstick, compound, transverse, and oblique fractures.

XIII.  Diseases and Tests (3%)

• What is acromegaly?
• Define: myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy
• Define: gout, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Describe the following tests: US, MRI, CT, and PET
• MRI, CT, EEG, EMG are used for what kind of tissue?

XIV.  Traction (2%)

• Spinal traction
• Skin traction: Describe: Hare traction, Russell traction, and Buck’s traction.

XV.  Muscular System (8%)

• Muscles are named for ________?
• Muscles contract and shorten to pull or push?
• Muscles connect ________ to ________.
• Ligaments connect ________ to _______.
• Is skeletal muscle voluntary or involuntary muscle?
• Is smooth, cardiac muscle voluntary or involuntary muscle?
• Where is the Hamstring located?
• Where is the Achilles tendon located?
• Which part of the body does the sternocleidomastoid muscle move?
• How long has Electroneural Stimulation been used in labs/clinics?

XVI.  Definitions and Acronyms (16%)

• Epimysium
• Myocardium
• Perimysium
• Endomysium
• Prosthesis
• Orthosis
• Brace
• Traction/Counter traction
• Sprain/Strain
• Ambulatory
• Sympathy/empathy
• Assault
• Battery
• Medical ethics
• Abandonment
• Negligence
• False imprisonment
• Libel/Slander
• Good Samaritan Law
• OSHA requirements
• HIPPA (privacy)
• PPE
• Patient Care Partnership form
• RACE, PASS, SOAP (charting), ROM.

 

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