PTA 105 - Patient Care Skills Part I

1. Describe and provide examples of the roles of the PT and PTA in relation to patient care including the plan of care, informed consent, HIPAA, professionalism, communication, basic documentation, evidence-based practice and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (IFC).
2. Demonstrate proper body mechanics and posture during patient care to avoid injuries.
3. Demonstrate proper patient positioning and draping to maintain proper body function and avoid secondary complications due to immobility and patient comfort and modesty.
4. Accurately measure and document temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate and pain.
5. Perform manual blood pressure assessment with using proper technique and patient positioning.
6. Demonstrate standard precautions for infection control which include donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene and set up of sterile field.
7. Demonstrate how to maneuver and propel a wheelchair.
8. Accurately measure and fit a wheelchair and be able to describe the components of a wheelchair.
9. Define and describe the different types of activities of daily living.
10. Describe and provide examples of when to modify or cease patient care interventions based on signs and symptoms.
11. Describe and provide examples of home and environment assessments.

1. Implement plans of care developed by physical therapists.
2. Provide care in a safe, legal and ethical manner.
3. Transition to successful employment as PTA.

• Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
• Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
• Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.