PT 626 Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy

4 Credits

This course is designed to instruct students in the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems as relevant to the physical therapist. Throughout the course the students will learn and discuss cardiopulmonary medical diagnoses and corresponding procedures and tests. The students will also learn to diagnose and recognize signs and symptoms of common cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and how they may affect physical therapy treatment. The course begins with a review of normal cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology and progresses through various disorders and conditions associated with these systems. The course also introduces the elements of examination, history, systems review, test and measures, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions for individuals with various cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and conditions. Specific emphasis will be made to understand rehabilitation across the continuum of care, including acute care, acute rehabilitation, sub-acute care, outpatient, home care and long-term care. Students will be instructed and tested on specific skills required for managing individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction. Evidence based practice and current trends in management of cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction will be introduced. Students are expected to integrate examination results to write evaluation statements, physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, goals, plan of care, and treatment plans based on findings. In addition, students will demonstrate the ability to adjust the plan of care in response to changes in the patient as well as the ability to plan and write acceptable documentation for client discharge.