Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

A physical therapy aide is allowed to participate in which of the following documentation activities?

1. Evaluating progress towards established goals

2. Interpreting objective findings in a reevaluation

3. Recording interventions performed during treatment

4. Altering the established plan of care

The correct answer is: Recording interventions performed during treatment

The correct answer highlights that a physical therapy aide is permitted to engage in documentation activities such as recording the interventions performed during treatment. This task is appropriate for an aide because it involves noting the activities and techniques that were carried out under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Documentation is a vital part of patient care, and accurately recording the interventions ensures continuity, effectiveness, and accountability in the treatment process. By documenting interventions, the aide contributes valuable information that can be reviewed by the supervising physical therapist. However, this role does not extend to evaluative or interpretative tasks, such as assessing progress towards established goals or interpreting objective findings, which require the clinical judgment and expertise of a licensed practitioner. Similarly, altering the established plan of care is a responsibility that falls solely within the scope of a licensed physical therapist, as it involves making clinical decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and treatment objectives.