Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

A patient receiving treatment at an outpatient facility has a physician referral that recommends iontophoresis for lateral epicondylitis, but the medication is unspecified. What is the best course of action?

1. Administer dexamethasone to address the inflammation

2. Contact the physician for a prescription of the desired medication

3. Discuss the policy of iontophoresis with the facility supervisor

4. Perform a trial of iontophoresis with a saline solution

The correct answer is: Contact the physician for a prescription of the desired medication

When faced with a situation where a physician's referral for iontophoresis does not specify the medication to be used, it is essential to seek clarification from the referring physician. Contacting the physician for a prescription of the desired medication ensures that the treatment aligns with the physician's intent and is based on the specific needs of the patient. Iontophoresis involves delivering medication through the skin using electrical currents, and the effectiveness of the treatment can greatly depend on the appropriate choice of medication for the condition being treated—in this case, lateral epicondylitis. Without clear instructions on which medication to use, administering a specific drug such as dexamethasone could be inappropriate if it's not what the physician intended. Discussing policy with the facility supervisor or trying an alternate solution like saline could lead to ineffective treatment or violate standard practice protocols, potentially compromising patient care. Thus, reaching out to the physician is the most responsible and medically sound approach to ensure that the patient receives the correct treatment aligned with their clinical status.