Differential Diagnosis- Module 1: Intro to Screening for Referral/Physical Assessment

Course Description:

This course is derived from the textbook Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists by Catherine Goodman, MBA, PT, CBP and Teresa Snyder, MN, RN, OCN, CS. Following the standards for competency established by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) related to conducting a screening examination, Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists, 5th Edition gives you a consistent way to screen for systemic diseases and medical conditions that can mimic neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems. This comprehensive text centers on a 5-step screening model that covers past medical history, risk factor assessment, clinical presentation, associated signs and symptoms, and review of symptoms for each client.

This course covers chapters 1 and 4:

• Chapter 1:  Introduction to Screening for Referral in Physical Therapy
• Chapter 4:  Physical Assessment as a Screening Tool

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers.

Educational Level:

Intermediate

Prerequisites:

None

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Identify the key factors that create a need for screening
2. Recognize clinical presentation "red flags"
3. Differentiate between medical screening versus screening for referral
4. Describe the purpose of the diagnosis
5. Identify issues with establishing a diagnosis and the scope of physical therapy practice
6. Recognize key objectives set forth by the APTA in achieving autonomous physical therapist practice
7. Recognize associated signs and symptoms of systemic diseases
8. Identify the guidelines for immediate medical attention 
9. Identify the guidelines for physician referral
10. Recognize the initial physical assessment tests and how to perform: nutritional status, vital signs, body and breath odors, pulse rate, respirations and blood pressure
11. Recognize the guidelines for hypertension and management
12. Differentiate between the clinical stages of shock
13. Identify common skin lesions and accompanying diseases
14. Differentiate between the common types of nail bed changes
15. Recognize the regional screening techniques for head and neck, thorax, and abdomen
16. Identify precautions/contraindications to therapy

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test