Question

A medical assistant is talking with an older adult patient who sustained a foot fracture in a fall. She reports managing most tasks at home well but has difficulty navigating with her crutches and is currently home bound. To which of the following resources should the assistant refer the patient?

1) Physical therapy
2) Occupational therapy
3) Podiatry services
4) Orthopedic surgery

Answer 1

The medical assistant should refer the patient to physical therapy, where the patient can get assistance with improving mobility and proper use of crutches. The correct answer is option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

A medical assistant should refer an older adult patient who has difficulty navigating with crutches due to a foot fracture to physical therapy. Physical Therapists (PTs) are highly trained experts in the mechanics of body movements and can assist patients with muscle or joint injuries to improve physical functioning and reduce functional impairments. A PT can design an appropriate physical therapy plan which often begins with applying a heat pack to the injured site, following up with a customized set of exercises, and concluding with icing to reduce inflammation. Additionally, PTs can instruct patients on the proper use of equipment, such as crutches, and ensure they have sufficient strength to use them safely.