Kingsborough Community College
Of the
City University of New York
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Course Syllabus
PTA 20
Pathology
Course Description: This course introduces the student to common pathologies
managed, in part, by physical therapy. The pathologies introduced in this course are further explored in courses throughout the physical therapist assistant curriculum. The course is divided into four distinct units of: orthopedic, neurological, cardio-pulmonary, and acute medical conditions. The course presents general overviews of common pathologies including: anatomical and physiological considerations, etiologies, and physical therapy management. Students complete a series of critical thinking and investigatory writing assignments to enhance their understanding and application of the presented material.
Co-requisites: PTA 1, PTA 2, PTA 10, PTA 11.
Textbook Requirement: Goodman, C. & Boissonnault, W., Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist, W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia PA, 1998
reports and assignments the students will:
1.0 Demonstrate an understanding of general principles of disease and disease prevention.
1.1. Discuss the general causes and characteristics of disease.
1.2. Identify signs and symptoms associated with major health problems.
1.3. Identify implications health problems may have on the physical therapy
program.
1.4. Describe and summarize methods of disease prevention.
1.5. Discuss the importance of universal precautions.
1.6. Distinguish the major components of universal precautions.
1.7 Asses signs (observation, vital signs, etc.) and symptoms presented by a patient in order to make a judgement in relations to the patient’s need for immediate medical supervision.
2.0 Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of common musculo-skeletal
pathologies and their management and treatments.
2.1. Explain the basic anatomy and function of the musculo-skeletal system.
2.2. Describe the etiology, pathology, signs, symptoms and prognosis of common orthopedic disorder including: strains, sprains, joint derangements, fractures and dislocations, bursitis, tendonitis, synovitis, capsulitis, arthritis, muscle contractures and spasm, scoliosis, back pain and osteoporosis.
2.3. State medical management strategies for common musculo-skeletal pathologies.
2.4. Summarize and list general physical therapy treatment goals for common orthopedic disorders including: strains, sprains, joint derangements, fractures and dislocations, bursitis, tendonitis, synovitis, capsulitis, arthritis, muscle contractures and spasm, scoliosis, back pain and osteoporosis.
2.5. Identify appropriate rehabilitation services to accomplish treatment goals.
3.0 Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of common neurological
pathologies and their management and treatments.
3.1 Explain the basic anatomy and function of the nervous system.
3.2 Describe the etiology, pathology, signs, symptoms and prognosis of common neurological disorders including: peripheral neuropathies, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accident, and spinal cord injuries.
3.3 State medical management strategies for common neurological disorder.
3.4 Summarize general physical therapy treatment goals for common neurological disorders including: peripheral neuropathies, Parkinson’s,
multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accidents, and spinal cord injuries.
3.5 Identify appropriate rehabilitation services to accomplish treatment goals.
4.0Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of common cardio-pulmonary
disorders pathologies and their management and treatments.
4.1 Explain the basic anatomy and function of the cardio-pulmonary systems.
4.2 Describe the etiology, pathology, signs, symptoms and prognosis of common cardio-pulmonary disorder including: chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction.
4.3 State medical management strategies for common cardio-pulmonary disorders.
4.4 Summarize and list general physical therapy treatment goals for common cardio-pulmonary disorder including: chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction.
4.5 Identify appropriate rehabilitation services to accomplish treatment goals.
5.0 Demonstrate an understanding and recognition of common medical conditions
and their management and treatment.
5.1 Describe the etiology, pathology, signs, symptoms and prognosis of common medical conditions including: diabetes mellitus, AIDS/HIV, secondary deconditioning, oncologic, and ventilation conditions.
5.2 State medical/surgical management strategies for common medical conditions.
5.3 Summarize and list general physical therapy treatment goals for common
medical conditions including: diabetes mellitus, AIDS/HIV, secondary
deconditioning, oncologic, and ventilation conditions.
5.4.Identify appropriate rehabilitation services to accomplish treatment goals.
6.0. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior
6.1 Attends and is on time for class, lab, and scheduled appointments.
6.2 Is prepared for lab activities; attends to tasks assigned.
6.3 Accept constructive criticism and respond and/or follow through appropriately.
6.4 Maintain appropriate personal hygiene.
6.5. Treat others with positive regard, dignity and respect.
6.6 Analyze and examine professional literature considering: specific scientific
methods, interpretation of results, and clinical significance in order to
foster further personal investigation and clinical effectiveness.
6.7 Explain the importance of life long learning.
6.8. Describe how professional development can occur.
Student Assessment
As indicated in the student handbook, to receive a passing grade in this course the student
must successfully complete all examination and assignments.
Grade Determination
2 Unit Papers @ 15% each 30%
6 Quizzes @ 5% each 30%
Mid- Term Examination 20%
Final Examination 20%
100%
Each student will submit two 5-7 page papers covering a specific topic within two of the four course units (orthopedic, neurological, cardio-pulmonary, and acute medical). The
paper will consist of a summary and examination of etiology, signs, symptoms, medical
management, and physical therapy management of a specific disorder as assigned by the
instructor. Due dates for each paper appear on the course outline. All papers must be
submitted in a timely fashion. The unit papers are worth thirty percent of the final grade.
Quizzes
Each student completes a series of short quizzes. Quizzes may include short answer,
essay and multiple choice questions. Quizzes are worth thirty percent of the final grade.
Mid-Term Examination
Each student takes a cumulative written mid-term examination. This examination may
include multiple choice, fill in, and short essay questions. The mid-term examination is
worth twenty percent of the final grade.
Final Examination
Each student takes a cumulative final written examination. This examination includes multiple choice, fill in, and short essay questions. This final examination is worth twenty percent of the earned final grade.
Course Outline
Week # 1 ~ Introduction to Disease and Common Orthopedic Pathologies
Assignment: Chapter 1
These initial lecture introduce the student to principles of disease and disease prevention.
Universal precautions are presented. A broad overview of the musculo-skeletal system
is provided (concurrent in depth exploration in Bio 11 and reviewed in PTA 2 ).
General etiologies of orthopedic pathologies are discussed. General physical therapy treatment and rehabilitation goals are discussed.
Week # 2 ~ Common Orthopedic Pathologies con’t
Lecture
Assignment: Chapter 18, 23
Specific disorders of the bones and joints are reviewed. Common fractures (Colles, malleolar, humeral, hip, etc.) are presented. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are discussed. Joint stiffness due to immobilization, trauma, and surgical conditions are reviewed.
Physical therapy treatment and goals of treatment are presented and discussed.
Week # 3 ~ Common Orthopedic Pathologies con’t
Lecture
Assignment: Chapter 21
Orthopedic Unit Paper Due
Student explore etiologies, signs, symptoms, and treatment of bursitis, capsulitis,
ligament sprains, and cartilage injury. Common pathologies such as subdeltoid bursitis
ankle sprain, ligament sprain, and meniscal injuries are reviewed. Muscle strains and
tears, their treatment, and etiologies , are explored.
Week # 4 ~ Common Orthopedic Pathologies con’t
Lecture
Assignment : Chapter 19, 20
Discussion of muscular pathologies is completed. Etiologies, signs, symptoms and
treatments of common disorders of the spine are reviewed. Specific attention is paid to
scoliosis, low back and cervical pain, spondylosis, and degenerative disc disease.
Week # 5 ~ Common Neurological Disorders
Lecture
Assignment: Chapter 24, 34
A broad overview of the human nervous system is presented (concurrent in depth study
in Bio 11 ). Differences between central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
disorders are distinguished. General etiologies, and treatment goals are discussed
Week # 6 ~ Common Neurological Disorders con’t
Lecture
Assignment: Chapter 27, 29
The signs, symptoms, etiologies and treatment of specific neurological disorders are
reviewed including: Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases,
cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injury.
Week # 7 ~ Common Neurological Disorders con’t
Lecture
Assignment: Chapter 28
Neurological Unit Paper Due
This week’s lecture explore the etiology, signs, symptoms, prognosis and treatment of
cerebral vascular accident. A broad overview of the vascular anatomy of the brain is
presented in relation to pathological impact. Treatment approaches and goal are
reviewed.
Week #8 ~ Common Neurological Disorders con’t
Assignment: Chapter 30
This week’s lectures present the etiology, signs, symptoms and treatment of spinal cord injuries. The functional organization of the spinal cord is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on levels of injuries, functional consequences, and secondary conditions. Psycho-social impacts of spinal cord injuries are discussed.
Week #9 ~ Common Cardio-Pulmonary Disorders
Assignment: Chapter 10
A broad overview of the cardio-pulmonary system is presented. General etiologies, signs, symptoms, and physical therapy treatments are reviewed.
Week #10 ~ Common Cardio-Pulmonary Disorders con’t
Assignment: Chapter 12
Cardio-Pulmonary Unit Paper Due
Specific pathologies of the cardio-pulmonary system are explored including: chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, pneumonia, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Physical therapy treatments and goals are reviewed.
Week #11 ~ Common Acute Medical Conditions
Assignment: Chapter 9 (p. 243-258)
The function, goals and characteristics of the acute medical facility are briefly reviewed (learned in PTA 10). General etiologies of pathologies are discussed. General physical therapy treatment goals are also discussed. The student is introduced to specific conditions encountered in the acute care facility.
Week #12 ~ Common Acute Medical Conditions con’t
Assignment: Chapter 7
Discussions of specific conditions and their physical therapy treatments and goals are continued. General medical and surgical, deconditioning, vascular, oncologic, and ventilation conditions are considered.