PTA 110 - Fundamentals of Patient Mobility

1. Recognize the importance of vital signs in regard to exercise.
   1. List normal values for vital signs.
      1. Heart Rate (HR)
      2. Respiratory Rate (RR)
      3. Blood Pressure (BP)
      4. Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SpO2)
   2. Define hypertension and hypotension.
2. Describe proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.
   1. Define body mechanics.
   2. List the principles of proper body mechanics.
   3. Describe the various lifting techniques.
3. Explain the decubitus ulcer process.
   1. Define the four stages of a decubitus ulcer.
   2. Identify the body areas susceptible to pressure ulcers.
   3. List the purposes of proper patient positioning.
   4. Select patient positions that will prevent pressure ulcers.
   5. Describe the signs of development of a decubitus ulcer.
   6. Explain appropriate measures to prevent decubitus ulcers.
4. Describe how to prevent contractures.
   1. Define contracture.
   2. Describe how contractures develop.
   3. Select appropriate patient positioning to avoid contracture development in patients with select conditions.
   4. Justify how proper positioning will help to avoid the development of contractures.
5. Describe bed mobility and transfer skills.
   1. Define bed mobility.
   2. Define transfers.
   3. Explain the different levels of assistance that may be required.
   4. Identify the general rules of safe transfers.
   5. Discuss how bed mobility and transfers relate to activities of daily living.
6. Explain tilt table usage.
   1. Identify the components of the tilt table.
   2. Define orthostatic hypotension and describe how it relates to the tilt table.
7. Discuss the gait cycle.
   1. List normal ROM of the lower extremities and pelvis during gait.
   2. Discuss the phases of the gait cycle and each stage within each phase using Rancho Los Amigos and Traditional terminology.
   3. Identify muscles that are active during each stage of the gait cycle.
   4. Define step length, stride length, and cadence.
8. Explain the importance of gait analysis.
   1. Discuss abnormal gait patterns.
   2. Identify the contributing factor(s) to the gait deviation.
   3. Explain how to document gait analysis in a patient chart.
9. Compare and contrast assistive devices.
   1. Identify the muscles involved in ambulation with assistive devices.
   2. Describe the purposes of assistive devices.
   3. Compare advantages and disadvantages of the various assistive devices.
   4. State the order of greatest to least support for the assistive devices.
10. Describe gross postural analysis.
    1. Classify the different body types.
    2. Discuss the components of normal posture.
    3. Compare and contrast normal vs. abnormal posture.
    4. Define terms used with postural analysis.
11. Discuss spinal scoliosis.
    1. Define scoliosis.
    2. Differentiate between structural and functional scoliosis.
    3. Describe the etiology of structural and functional scoliosis.
    4. Categorize scoliosis curves by their names.
    5. Identify problems that a patient with scoliosis may have.
12. Discuss normal and abnormal dynamic and static balance.
    1. Define balance.
    2. Compare balance rating scales.
    3. Discuss how the patient's environment can impact balance.
    4. Differentiate between balance, coordination, and skill. 
13. Describe the theory of stretching exercises.
    1. Define the purpose of stretching.
    2. Identify conditions that lead to soft tissue shortening.
    3. Describe various types of stretching exercises.
    4. Define ballistic stretching.
    5. Compare indications and contraindications for stretching.
14. Discuss the way society treats individuals with disabilities.
    1. Examine appropriate communication methods to use with persons with disabilities.
    2. Describe the Americans with Disabilities Act and how this has affected physical barriers in the community.
15. Discuss potential legal or ethical issues pertaining to course content and appropriate responses to each issue.
    1. Describe an appropriate response to each legal/ethical clinical issue discussed in class.