Final answer:
A PTA can perform wound care but not sharps debridement. PTAs can assist with dressing changes, apply topical medications or ointments, and provide education on wound care management.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the scope of practice for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), they can perform wound care but not sharps debridement. Sharps debridement involves the removal of dead tissue from a wound using sharp instruments such as scissors or scalpels. This procedure is typically performed by a healthcare professional with specialized training, such as a nurse or a physician.
However, PTAs can still play a vital role in wound care by assisting with dressing changes, applying topical medications or ointments, and providing education on wound care management to patients and their families. It's important for PTAs to work under the supervision and guidance of a licensed physical therapist or another healthcare professional.