PTA 1010 –FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS.
(CH1) Describe two different historical events that led to the creation and evolution of the
physical therapy profession.
The two historical events that led to the creation and evolution of the physical therapy profession
were the polio epidemic of the early 20th century, as well as World War I.
(CH1) Why were these events significant?
These events were significant because both resulted in many disabled patients in need of
rehabilitation, from children beset with permanent paralysis and muscle atrophy from polio, to
injured soldiers returning from the WWI battlefield.
(CH1) When was the PTA position officially created by the APTA?
The PTA position was officially created by the APTA in 1967. .
(CH1) 1st factor that led to the creation of a new health-care provider position.
In the 1960s, PT numbers dwindled, so the profession began looking into other ways to deliver
cost-effective care
(CH1) 2nd factor that led to the creation of a new health-care provider position.
In 1967, the newly developed Medicare system added physical therapy as a reimbursable skilled
service, making the need for these providers grow even stronger.
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the first factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by a
PTA.
The complexity of the task, the amount of "decision-making" versus "doing" involved with that
task, and the risks involved (including the predictability of the situation and the clarity of the
choices to be made).
-This is delegating responsibility based on how complex or simple a task is, how much decision-
, making responsibility is involved vs. how much actual "doing" of the work is involved, and
considering all the risks involved with the situation - is the situation common or uncommon?
How easy will it be to make the right choices for this task?
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the second factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by
a PTA.
The criticality/stability of the patient and severity of the consequences if an error in task
performance were to be made.
-This is delegating responsibility based on the status of the patient, considering the risks involved
if any kind of error were to occur.
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the third factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by a
PTA.
The purpose of the task in relation to treating the patient's problem versus contributing to the
patient's sense of well-being and satisfaction with the overall provision of services.
-This is delegating responsibility based on what the purpose of the task is. Is the task's purpose to
treat the patient's problem, or is it more geared toward improving their sense of well-being and
satisfaction in services provided?
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the fourth factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by
a PTA.
The experience, areas of specialization, and unique body of knowledge possessed by both the PT
and the PTA.
-This is delegating responsibility based on experience level and areas where individuals may
possess unique specialties and types of knowledge, for both the PT and PTA involved.
CORRECT ANSWERS.
(CH1) Describe two different historical events that led to the creation and evolution of the
physical therapy profession.
The two historical events that led to the creation and evolution of the physical therapy profession
were the polio epidemic of the early 20th century, as well as World War I.
(CH1) Why were these events significant?
These events were significant because both resulted in many disabled patients in need of
rehabilitation, from children beset with permanent paralysis and muscle atrophy from polio, to
injured soldiers returning from the WWI battlefield.
(CH1) When was the PTA position officially created by the APTA?
The PTA position was officially created by the APTA in 1967. .
(CH1) 1st factor that led to the creation of a new health-care provider position.
In the 1960s, PT numbers dwindled, so the profession began looking into other ways to deliver
cost-effective care
(CH1) 2nd factor that led to the creation of a new health-care provider position.
In 1967, the newly developed Medicare system added physical therapy as a reimbursable skilled
service, making the need for these providers grow even stronger.
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the first factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by a
PTA.
The complexity of the task, the amount of "decision-making" versus "doing" involved with that
task, and the risks involved (including the predictability of the situation and the clarity of the
choices to be made).
-This is delegating responsibility based on how complex or simple a task is, how much decision-
, making responsibility is involved vs. how much actual "doing" of the work is involved, and
considering all the risks involved with the situation - is the situation common or uncommon?
How easy will it be to make the right choices for this task?
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the second factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by
a PTA.
The criticality/stability of the patient and severity of the consequences if an error in task
performance were to be made.
-This is delegating responsibility based on the status of the patient, considering the risks involved
if any kind of error were to occur.
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the third factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by a
PTA.
The purpose of the task in relation to treating the patient's problem versus contributing to the
patient's sense of well-being and satisfaction with the overall provision of services.
-This is delegating responsibility based on what the purpose of the task is. Is the task's purpose to
treat the patient's problem, or is it more geared toward improving their sense of well-being and
satisfaction in services provided?
(CH1) Using the criteria developed by Watts and reviewed in Chapter 1, list and describe
the fourth factor that a PT should use in determining the tasks that could be performed by
a PTA.
The experience, areas of specialization, and unique body of knowledge possessed by both the PT
and the PTA.
-This is delegating responsibility based on experience level and areas where individuals may
possess unique specialties and types of knowledge, for both the PT and PTA involved.
