Ohio Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

What should a physical therapist do if they encounter an emergency situation during treatment?

1. Call for help and wait for further instructions.

2. Follow established protocols for emergencies and ensure patient safety.

3. Stop treatment and send the patient home.

4. Document the situation before taking any action.

The correct answer is: Follow established protocols for emergencies and ensure patient safety.

A physical therapist encountering an emergency situation during treatment should follow established protocols for emergencies and ensure patient safety for several important reasons. First and foremost, established emergency protocols are designed to provide a systematic and efficient response that maximizes patient safety and minimizes harm. These protocols typically include steps like assessing the situation, providing immediate care, and contacting emergency services if necessary. Ensuring patient safety is the top priority in any emergency. By adhering to these protocols, the therapist can effectively manage the emergency while maintaining the patient's well-being. This approach also emphasizes the need for trained professionals to act swiftly and decisively, as delays in response during an emergency can lead to negative outcomes. In contrast, calling for help and waiting for further instructions may not provide immediate care to the patient and could increase the risk of complications. Simply stopping treatment and sending the patient home neglects the need for immediate assessment and intervention. Additionally, documenting the situation before taking action is not advisable, as prioritizing the patient's need for care is crucial in emergencies. Therefore, following established protocols ensures that proper care is administered promptly.