Basic Patient Care Skills Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

PTHA-1405-002 Basic Patient Care Skills

Prerequisites

Corequisite: PTHA 1301 and BIOL 2401

Course Description

The application of basic patient handling, functional skills, communication and selected data collection techniques.

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Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXTS: Principles and Techniques of Patient Care, 5th ed. by Frank M. Pierson and Sheryl L. Fairchild

Documentation for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 4^th  ed. by Wendy Bircher

 

Supplies

ADDITIONAL SUPPLES:  BP cuff and stethoscope (optional)

 Lab supplies: Gait belt, procedural towels, tape measure, ace wraps. (Will be purchased at the beginning of the fall semester).  Supplies will be utilized during the lab, please have them readily available. Items may be kept in the student locker.

Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The application of basic patient handling, functional skills, communication and selected data collection techniques.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This course is designed to give the skills needed to build a foundation of knowledge upon which more advanced skills may be added as the student progresses in the program. The course also provides nursing care skills as applicable to the physical therapy clinic.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students demonstrating academic dishonesty as defined in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities” handout will receive a grade of “F” in the course and will be subject to all PTA program policies regarding course failure. CUEING ANOTHER PERSON DURING AN EXAM, APPLICATION, OR SKILLS CHECK-OFF WILL BE CONSIDERED CHEATING.

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goals: Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts, and other material, the student should begin to demonstrate competence with components of the following requisite skills identified by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education:

1. Apply the laws and regulations governing physical therapy practice to course-related skills.

Communication

2. Utilize correct medical terminology and abbreviations
3. Identify strategies for guiding dialogue with the patient/client to appropriate subjects and issues.
4. Obtain essential subjective information from patients and/or family members to obtain current information about patient’s level of function and status

Body Mechanics and Transfers

1. Describe the proper body mechanics to use to lift, reach, push, pull, and carry objects.
2. Explain specific precautions to use when lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects
3.  Identify multiple types of transfers used in the clinical setting.
4. Demonstrate how to adjust the position of a person and complete a transfer safely.
5. Describe why loads should be carried close to the center of gravity using biomechanical principles.
6. Teach another person how to perform independent bed mobility and functional activities in preparation for a transfer
7. Educate another person on body mechanics training and identify proper technique.
8. Instruct another person in how to perform various transfer techniques and assist in performing these techniques

Patient Positioning

9. Discuss precautions related to positioning a patient who is supine, prone, side-lying, or sitting.
10. Present rationale for the use and application of proper patient positioning.
11. Describe proper positioning of the trunk, head, and extremities with the patient supine, prone, side-lying, or sitting
12. Identify positions and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations

Documentation

13. Identify and describe each section of a SOAP note.
14. Document assessment data including short and long term goals consistent with the data in the PT’s initial examination
15. Document the patient’s activities in the objective portion of the SOAP note to provide the reader with a picture of the patient’s functional capabilities and progress toward goals.
16. Locate information in the medical record, based on an understanding of how medical record content is organized
17. Compare and contrast documentation responsibilities between the PTA and PT.
18. Discuss the importance of discharge planning when a patient begins physical therapy.
19. Obtain essential subjective information from patients and/or family members to obtain current information of patient’s level of function and status.
20. Identify standards and criteria for documentation set by federal and state governments, professional associations, accrediting agencies, and health-care facilities.
21. Identify HMOs, PPOs, Medicare (parts A through D) and Medicaid.
22. Compare and contrast documentation responsibilities between the PTA and PT.
23. Compare and contrast the documentation responsibilities of the PTA and the PT related to reimbursement in different health-care settings.
24. Differentiate types of reimbursement for the PT and the PTA in specific health-care settings.
25. Discuss the importance of discharge planning when a patient begins physical therapy.

Aseptic Technique

26. Explain principles applicable to clean and aseptic technique
27. Define and list indications for transmission-based precautions as well as understand the pathogens transmitted for airborne, droplet, and contact precautions.
28. Demonstrate the correct procedure used for application of sterile clothing and gloves.
29. Demonstrate the correct procedure used in preparing and maintaining a sterile field, handling sterile objects, opening sterile containers, and changing dressings

Wound Care

30. Explain types of wounds and would care treatments used in physical therapy.
31. Describe indications/contraindications for various types of dressings available for wound care
32. Demonstrate techniques used to apply wound care dressings or agents.
33. Identify precautions for dressing removal
34. Explain the differences in various types of ulcerations, including what is classified as viable and nonviable tissue
35. Describe changes that may be identified through observation including presence or absence of muscle mass, blistering, continuity of skin color, dermatitis, hair growth, sensation, temperature, and texture
36. Describe wound characteristics including bleeding, contraction, depth, drainage, location, odor, pigment, shape, size, tunneling, and undermining

Assistive Devices

37. Identify basic components of ambulation assistive devices as well as various types of walkers, canes, and crutches.
38. Explain principles used in the measurement and alignment of walkers, canes, and crutches.
39. Instruct the patient in use of an assistive device.

Gait Training/Patterns

40. Outline steps necessary to prepare patients for ambulation.
41. Observe and guard patient’s gait with assistive devices on various terrains.
42. Demonstrate types of gait to be used with walkers, crutches, and canes
43. Demonstrate correct technique used with assistive devices for the following: ascending and descending stairs and curbs, in and out of doors, uneven terrain

Wheelchairs

44. Identify components and features of various wheelchairs.
45. Explain the purpose of proper wheelchair fit
46. Demonstrate wheelchair management and mobility techniques.

Vital Signs

47. Provide the rationale for the need to measure, monitor, and record a patient’s vital signs.
48. Describe the expected normal and abnormal changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate resulting for exercise and/or other factors.
49. Describe and define blood pressure.
50. Measure standard vital signs
51. Recognize and monitor responses to positional changes and activities
52. Measure and record a patient’s blood pressure, pulse and heart rates, and respiration rate.
53. Recognize positional changes and activities that could alter blood pressure and heart rate.
54. Describe breathing pattern changes associated with exercise and other factors.
55. Recognize changes in the direction and magnitude of patient’s state of arousal, mentation, and cognition

Anthropometric Characteristics

56. Measure height, weight, and length
57. Measure girth

ROM/ JOBST Measurement

58. Describe rationale for venous pressure gradient supports as well as demonstrate measurement techniques used for these garments.
59. Identify indications and contraindications for passive range of motion, active assistive range of motion, and active range of motion
60. Demonstrate basic passive range of motion to all extremities.
61. Define normal and abnormal joint movement in relation to passive ROM.

Special Equipment

62. Explain principles of bowel and bladder care,
63. Describe safe techniques when working with patients with catheters, IV’s, chest tubes, gastrostomy tubes, casts, telemetry, or traction
64. Identify uses of the tilt table and standing frame.

First Aid

65. Discuss symptoms as well as appropriate first aid techniques to be used in the treatment of fractures, severe bleeding, closed injuries, dislocations, shock, sprains and strains.
66. Discuss symptoms and appropriate treatment techniques for insulin reaction, acidosis, autonomic dysreflexia, and orthostatic hypotension
67. Describe precautions to improve safety and reduce patient and employee injury in the treatment setting. 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

Grading Criteria

GRADING CRITERIA:

Homework	5%
Quizzes	5%
Exams(3)	20%
Practical(3)	20%
Lab Skills Checks	25%
Final	25%

One quiz grade will be dropped for the semester. Students must pass all skill checks to pass the course. If student fails a skills check they will be given one opportunity to re-take the skill to show proficiency.

If the midterm grade is failing as indicated by the grade report, the student must contact the course instructor to schedule a planning meeting. At this meeting, the student will be expected to develop an action plan for successful completion of the course. This action plan should include a detailed study schedule, should identify any areas of weakness in understanding course content, and must include methods/strategies that will be used to correct the learning deficit. Failure to meet with the instructor or to complete the action plan will result in a 10 point deduction from the final grade.

The instructor will not be responsible for reminding students of their responsibility to complete the planning meeting. The instructor will treat all students as adults and will therefore expect the student to approach the instructor to discuss any clarification of these guidelines.

Exam/application exams will be available for review for one week following the return of the graded exam/application exam. An appointment will need to be set up in order to review exam materials.

** Students who do not meet minimum proficiencies during the skills testing/application will be allowed ONE opportunity to re-test to show proficiencies are met before the course is completed. The first test grade the student attains is the recorded grade.

GRADING SCALE:
A =	100-92.5
B =	92.4-83.5
C =	83.4-74.5
F =	74.4-0

Note: A grade of C or better is required to complete the PTA major.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY: There will be NO make-ups on quizzes, skills quick checks, homework or final exams. Absence of a test or application or skills exam results in a five-point deduction from the earned grade. All absences will be treated equally, regardless of the reason.The make-up exam or application exam will vary in format from the original exam/application.
The student should expect to take the make-up exam/application on the day the student returns to class, unless otherwise notified by the instructor.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE: “Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.” Therefore, students enrolled in the PTA program are expected to attend all lectures, labs, and clinical experiences, and will be held accountable for obtaining all information presented during these times. Attendance is required for successful completion of all lectures and labs in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. At the beginning of each lecture and lab, students will be expected to sign the roster provided by the course instructor. Even if a student is present in class and seen by the instructor, failure to sign in will result in the student being marked absent for attendance purposes. If a student signs in another student, both students will be counted absent. Each student will be allowed two absences per lecture/lab course in the PTA Program. After the second absence a penalty of five points will be deducted from the student’s final exam grade for each subsequent absence. A student will be considered “tardy” if he/she arrives to class 1-10 minutes late or leaves before the instructor dismisses the class. Two “tardies” will be considered one absence. Students arriving to class after 10 minutes will not be permitted to enter the lecture or lab until the next course begins. Exceptions to this policy will only be made under extenuating circumstances and only if the course instructor receives the appropriate written documentation to support the event within 5 days of the absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

Basic Patient Care is taught by an instructor of the Physical Therapist Assistant Department.

Instructional Methods include: lecture and Lab activities

USE OF CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES (I-PODS, MP 3 PLAYERS, ETC.): The use of a cell phone/electronic device(s) will not be permitted during lecture/lab or testing/application exams. This includes the ability to send and receive text messages. Cell phones/electronic device(s) should be turned off and put away during these times. If it is necessary to receive a call during lecture/lab times, prior arrangements with the instructor are required. At no time will the cell phone/electronic device(s) be permitted during testing/application exams. While in attendance of each lecture class and lab, cell phones are to be turned off (during lab cell phones are to be placed in the locker area), unless otherwise permitted by the instructor.

ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments are due AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS TIME on the assigned due date.  NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. If assignment is completed unsatisfactorily the student may be required to re-submit assignment. The first grade the student earns is the recorded grade.

REQUIRED READING: The student is expected to complete all reading assignments. All information is considered testable material, and may not be covered during lecture, therefore it is the student’s responsibility to discuss (at an appropriate time) with course instructor clarification of material as needed.  

LAB DRESS CODE: Appropriate dress is required during scheduled lab times.

Females: shorts, halter or swimsuit top (fasteners need to be in the back), sweat suits for a cover-up

 Males: shorts, tee shirts, sweat suits for a cover-up

For successful completion of PTHA 1405 the following is required by each student: passing minimum average of all quizzes/quick checks, exams, Practicals, skills application; submitting all homework/documentation workbook assignments; and to participate in 1-2 body mechanics training session for other disciplines (outside of class time). The body mechanics training opportunities will be announced in advanced so each student has the opportunity to participate. During the body mechanics training opportunities the student will be required to wear the PTA student shirt, dress/nice pants, supportive shoes, as well as interact professionally with the other disciplines, classmates, and instructors.

SAFETY PROCEDURES: In case of an emergency, the student needs to call the Safety and Security department at 9-371-5163.  In an emergency situation, use the nearest phone that is available.  The student should also know in case of a medical emergency, the following procedure should be performed and in the order written:

1. call 9-911 for an ambulance
2. call safety and security

Amarillo College Resources link:http://www.actx.edu/resources/

PHYSICAL RESTRICTIONS: The activities presented in this course may have physical restrictions.  It is the responsibility of the student to let the instructor know if any of these restrictions apply to you.  All students are to avoid doing the VALSALVA maneuver during lifting activities.

If you have:

Asthma, cardiac problems, high blood pressure– avoid doing the Valsalva maneuver during lifting activities

Pregnancy– do not do any lifting that exceeds what your doctor has recommended.  Precaution needs to be taken when stretching due to ligament laxity.  All lifting is contraindicated if you have incompetent cervix, vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, rupture of the membrane, premature labor, maternal heart disease, hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, and uncontrolled diabetes

Rheumatoid Arthritis– when in the inflammatory state, lifting is contraindicated.  It is recommended to rest and use splints to protect your joints during the appropriate activities as prescribed by your doctor

Thermoregulatory problems– clothing may need to be adjusted to accommodate the temperature of the environment.  If necessary, a misting bottle may be brought to lab

Diabetes/hypoglycemia– bring medication and snacks as needed

Latex sensitivity– latex gloves during sterile techniques are to be avoided.  Notify the instructor by the 3^rd day of classes so that alternative gloves can be provided.

THE LEAD INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE SYLLABUS AS NEEDED DURING THE SEMESTER.  ANY MODIFICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS.