National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

For a patient with a Stage 2 ischial pressure injury that has not healed, which professional should the physical therapist recommend consulting?

1. An orthotist for bracing evaluation

2. A nutritionist to assess protein levels

3. A respiratory therapist for oxygen therapy

4. A surgeon for a skin flap

The correct answer is: A nutritionist to assess protein levels

In the context of a Stage 2 ischial pressure injury that has not healed, consulting with a nutritionist to assess protein levels is important because nutrition plays a critical role in wound healing. Adequate protein intake is essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Deficiencies in protein can impair the healing process, as proteins are vital for the production of new tissue and for the synthesis of important components like collagen, which is crucial for skin integrity. When a pressure injury persists, it may be necessary to evaluate and optimize the patient's nutritional status to ensure that they are receiving sufficient protein, along with other nutrients necessary for healing. This is particularly relevant in patients who may have dietary restrictions, malnutrition, or increased metabolic demands due to chronic wounds. Other professionals listed, while potentially relevant in different scenarios, do not address the immediate concern of inadequate wound healing in this context. An orthotist may provide support for mobility but does not directly impact wound healing; a respiratory therapist would be involved in managing respiratory function rather than skin integrity; and although a surgeon might be consulted if surgical intervention becomes necessary, the first step in addressing non-healing wounds often involves nutritional evaluation and improvement.