Question

A pt receiving treatment at an outpatient facility had a physician referral that recommends iontophoresis for lateral epicondylitis. The medication to be used is not specified on the referral, but the pt recalls the physician stating that the medicine is for inflammation. Which of the following course of action is BEST for the PT?

A) Administer dexamethasone for inflammation
B) Contact physician for referral of desired med
C) Discuss policy of iontophoresis with supervisor
D) Perform trial with saline solution

Answer 1

The best course of action for the PT would be to administer dexamethasone for inflammation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Iontophoresis is a therapeutic technique that uses electric current to deliver medication through the skin. In the case of lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, iontophoresis can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the affected area. Considering that the medication is for inflammation, the best course of action for the PT would be to administer dexamethasone, which is a corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory properties.