National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

In which patient population are we most likely to coordinate care for PTSD?

1. Post-surgical recovery patients

2. Individuals with chronic pain

3. Trauma survivors

4. Cardiac rehab patients

The correct answer is: Trauma survivors

Coordinating care for PTSD is most relevant in the context of trauma survivors. This is because PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Individuals with this diagnosis often require a multidisciplinary approach to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of their health. Trauma survivors may exhibit a range of symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors that can complicate their recovery and overall wellbeing. Physical therapy interventions can be essential in addressing the physical manifestations of trauma and in helping these patients cope with their symptoms through movement and therapeutic modalities. While post-surgical recovery patients and cardiac rehab patients may have psychological components to their care, their primary issues are more focused on physical recovery and rehabilitation rather than PTSD specifically. Similarly, individuals with chronic pain may also have psychological components, but their care is typically directed more towards pain management and underlying health issues rather than specifically addressing PTSD. Therefore, coordinating care with trauma survivors is crucial in effectively managing PTSD and improving their overall quality of life.