The use of compression stockings on the feet and ankles is contraindicated in patients with which condition?

A PTA is preparing to apply intermittent compression to a new patient. The assistant is reviewing the plan of care provided by the supervising physical therapist and notices that this modality is indicated for this patient who has…

A physician requests a progress note on a patient’s progress who is attending outpatient physical therapy. The patient is being treated for edema of the left knee. Which of the following would be the best clinical method to assess edema in the knee?

A 50-year-old woman has been receiving treatment in the hospital for increased edema in the right upper extremity. The PTA has treated the patient for the past 3 weeks with an intermittent compression pump equipped with a multicompartment compression sleeve. The patient’s average blood pressure is 135/80 mmHg. The daily sessions are 3 hours in duration. The pump is set at 50, 40, and 30 mmHg (distal to proximal) for 30 seconds, on and off for 15 seconds. The assistant decides to change the parameters. Of the following changes, which is the most likely to increase the efficiency of treatment?

A PTA uses intermittent compression to treat a patient with an acute ankle sprain. The patient is positioned in supine with the leg elevated on a 40-degree wedge. The PTA uses an inflation pressure of 50 mmHg with an on:off ratio of 40 seconds on and 20 seconds off. The treatment time is scheduled for 20 minutes. After five minutes of treatment the patient reports some discomfort in the ankle. The MOST appropriate modification to the current treatment parameters would be :

A PTA reviews a patient’s medical history prior to administering intermittent compression. Which of the following conditions would be considered a contraindication to the use of this mechanical device?

A physical therapist assistant intends to use compression therapy as part of a patient’s plan of care. The use of compression therapy is LEAST likely for which of the following patients?

A physical therapist assistant hypothesizes that a patient’s chronic lower extremity swelling is due to lymphedema. Which of the following symptoms is MOST consistent with the later stages of this condition?