Final answer:
A Physical Therapist Assistant should monitor a patient with a resting heart rate higher than 100 bpm and inform the Physical Therapist. Tachycardia is defined by a heart rate above this threshold, but closer monitoring might be triggered at a higher rate in the absence of other symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A resting heart rate (HR) higher than 100 beats per minute (bpm) should prompt a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to monitor the patient and immediately inform the Physical Therapist (PT). This scenario suggests that the individual may be experiencing tachycardia, which is not normal in a resting patient. However, HR above 100 bpm is considered one of the possible signs of tachycardia, but the threshold for concern in this context is set higher than that. In most adults, a normal resting HR ranges from 60 to 100 bpm. Tachycardia can vary among individuals and is considered a HR above 100 bpm.For a PTA to decide to closely monitor the patient and alert the PT, it would be crucial to recognize other symptoms associated with this condition, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, in addition to the elevated HR. A resting heart rate higher than 120 bpm might be more concerning, suggesting that it could be beneficial to closely monitor the patient.