Pathophysiology

Catalog description

This course is designed to give the PTA student a working knowledge of the physiology of disease and conditions commonly seen in physical therapy. Basic signs, symptoms, causes, and processes of disease and conditions will be covered. Diagnostic criteria, progression, and interventions, including physical therapy interventions, medical and surgical interventions, and pharmaceutical interventions will be addressed. Areas of study in the course may include, but are not limited to, inflammation and healing, inflection, immunity and immune disorders, and disorders of the following systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, integumentary, endocrine, lymphatic, neurological, hematologic, hepatic, gastrointestinal, hepatic and biliary, renal and urological, genital and reproductive. Genetic disorders, cancer, and mental health will also be addressed.. By the completion of this course, a student should be able to: (1) Define and apply terminology used in Pathophysiology and the ICF Disablement Model (2) Discuss inflammation and healing, (3) Discuss the immune system in terms of its function and possible disorders (4) Identify infectious conditions and describe their transmission and progression (5) List and describe conditions affecting the integumentary system and discuss the role of physical therapy in treating skin conditions (6) Discuss conditions of and applications for physical therapy for the following systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, neurological, and endocrine. (7) Identify conditions, diseases, and problems with the body systems, including the neurological, hematologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, biliary, renal and urological, genital and reproductive. (8) Discuss cancer in terms of pathophysiology, risk factors, and various types of cancer. (9) Discuss special considerations for the PTA when working with patients who are geriatric, in specialized acute care units, and with various comorbidities. (10) Identify mental health issues and appropriate interactions and interventions with patients with mental or emotional health issues. This is a writing intensive course that will include instructor written evaluation and feedback of student's writing. The student writing will be specific to the Physical Therapy discipline and include multiple and varied assignments. Writing will be a factor in the final grade for this course.Course content will be delivered in lecture and on-line materials. Assessment of mastery of content will be determined through any or all of the following methods: written tests and quizzes, papers, individual or group projects, homework, in-class assignments. Enrollment is limited to students accepted in the 2PTA major.