PHTA 2150 Syllabus

Subject Code

PHTA

Course Number

2150

Course Title

Pathology II

Prerequisites

PHTA 2110 with a grade of C or higher, PHTA 2120 with a grade of C or higher, PHTA 2130 with a grade of C or higher

Corequisites

Terms Offered

Offered Fall

Credit Hours

(2-5-4)

Course Description

This course provides continued instruction on diseases and conditions commonly treated by physical therapist assistants with an emphasis on neurological conditions. Topics include a review of neuroanatomy and physiology; an examination of neurological disorders and diseases; an examination of pediatric disorders and diseases; limb deficiency disorders; and pharmacology for spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and cardiac and pulmonary system management.

Course Outcomes

Review of Neuroanatomy and Physiology


Order


Description

1

Explain the structure and function of the nervous system.

2

Examine the function, formation, and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

3

Identify and describe the meninges of the brain and spinal cord.

4

Discuss the types of meningeal hemorrhages.

5

Describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of traumatic head injury.

6

Define the difference between local and diffuse injuries to the brain.

7

Describe acute complications associated with head injury.

8

Explain the functional significance of spinal cord lesion levels.

9

Describe the loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function as related to spinal cord involvement.

10

Identify bladder disorders which might result from spinal cord injury.

11

Compare  central nervous lesions to peripheral nerve lesions

12

Explain peripheral nerve injuries, including anatomy, mechanism of injury, pathology, regeneration and degeneration and recovery.

13

Describe the significance of injury to individual nerves.

14

Diagram the brachial plexus.

15

Identify the motor and sensory distribution of nerves in the brachial and lumbar plexuses.

16

Identify the motor and sensory distribution of nerve roots.

Examination of Neurological Disorders and Diseases


Order


Description

1

Define meningitis.

2

Identify etiology, symptoms, and clinical picture of poliomyelitis, encephalitis, herpes, syphilis of the nervous system, and Parkinson's disease.

3

Identify etiology, symptoms, and clinical pictures of multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and cerebrovascular accidents.

4

Identify etiology, symptoms, and clinical picture of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, and other conditions.

5

Identify various neuromuscular conditions with regards to incidence, etiology, prognosis, and treatment.

6

Describe median, ulnar, and combined nerve injuries.

7

List three different clinical rating scales used to define recovery from traumatic head injury.

8

Describe different functional outcomes of a severe head injury.

9

Discuss significant factors that should be considered when assessing individuals with head injury.

10

Discuss the impact of cognitive deficits on the patient, the physical therapist, and physical therapist assistant.

11

Examine the psychological problems with spinal cord injured patients.

Examination of Pediatric Disorders and Diseases


Order


Description

1

List and describe the primitive and pathological reflexes.

2

List and describe the postural and righting reflexes.

3

Define cerebral palsy (CP).

4

Explain the causes for CP.

5

List and describe the classifications of CP.

6

Explain various mechanisms of head injury.

7

Describe treatment techniques used on head injury patients.

8

List and describe the various types of muscular dystrophy.

9

Discuss the neurodevelopmental sequence.

Limb Deficiency Disorders


Order


Description

1

Identify indications for amputation.

2

Describe types of surgical amputation.

3

Discuss the levels of upper extremity amputation as related to function.

4

List problems encountered with upper and lower extremity amputations.

5

List indications for amputation.

6

Explain the functional significance of various levels of amputation.

7

Discuss the physical therapy management of the amputee patient pre-operatively, post-operatively, pre-prosthetically, and post-prosthetically.

8

Demonstrate exercises for above the knee (AK) and below the knee (BK) amputee including gait training.

9

Identify common gait deviations seen in AK and BK amputees and discuss ways to correct the deviations.

10

Explain potential complications of the amputee's stump.

11

Explain the importance of good stump hygiene and care.

12

Perform proper stump wrapping techniques for the AK and BK in the laboratory.

13

Describe phantom sensation/pain and list the causes.

14

Discuss the psycho-social problems of the amputee patient.

Pharmacology for SCI, TBI, Cardiac and Pulmonary System Management


Order


Description

1

Recognize common medications for management of neurologic disorders and diseases.