PTA 103 - Pathophysiology I

Credits: 2
Instructional Contact Hours: 2

Introduces acute and chronic pathological conditions resulting from disease or injury that are commonly treated in physical therapy. Prepares the student to perform physical therapy interventions as part of a physical therapist's plan of care, under the direction of the physical therapist.

Prerequisite(s): HSC 105; Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Corequisite(s): PTA 101LW, PTA 101, PTA 110L, PTA 110, PTA 118.
Lecture Hours: 30 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Recognize common bone fractures relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the different types of bone fractures.
2. Define “special named” fractures.
3. Describe the sequence of bone healing.
4. List factors (including healthcare disparities) that can affect the bone healing process.
5. Recognize approximate healing times for fractures depending on the site and how this plays a role in patient treatment.
Identify appropriate physical therapy interventions for patients with bone fractures.
1. List contraindications for physical therapy interventions for patients with bone fractures.
2. Identify the general role of physical therapy in the recovery process after a fracture.
3. Identify potential physical therapy interventions that can be utilized to promote recovery from a fracture.
4. Recognize when to consult with the supervising physical therapist about the patient’s symptoms/response to activity.

Discuss endocrine and metabolic disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the anatomy of the endocrine system.
2. Explain endocrine pathology.
3. Describe the function of the metabolic system.
4. Explain metabolic pathology.
Discuss gastrointestinal disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the anatomy of the gastrointestinal system.
2. Explain lower gastrointestinal pathology.
3. Explain upper gastrointestinal pathology.
Discuss genital and reproductive disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the anatomy of the reproductive system.
2. Explain genital pathology including cancer.
Discuss hematologic disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Explain the pathology of hematologic conditions.
Discuss hepatic and biliary disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the anatomy of the hepatic and biliary systems.
2. Explain the pathology of hepatic conditions.
Discuss immune and lymphatic disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the anatomy of the immune system.
2. Explain the pathology of immune and lymphatic system conditions.
Discuss nervous system disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the basic anatomy of the nervous system.
2. Explain the pathology of nervous system conditions.
Discuss renal system and urologic disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the anatomy of the renal system.
2. Explain the pathology of renal system conditions.
3. Recognize the effects of exercise on the renal system.
4. Identify the role of physical therapy in treating pelvic floor disorders.
5. Compare and contrast the types of urinary incontinence.
Explain how physical activity/exercise impacts common pathological conditions.
1. Research an assigned topic utilizing recent health care literature.
2. Create an educational presentation about the pathological condition.
3. Discuss primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, including the role of physical therapy, as it relates to the assigned pathological condition.
4. Educate the public on health promotion.
Discuss musculoskeletal disease conditions relevant to physical therapy.
1. Describe the anatomy of healthy bone.
2. Explain bone changes throughout the lifespan.
3. Recognize the impact of social determinants of health on bone strength.
4. Compare and contrast common musculoskeletal pathologies.