National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the appropriate reaction of a physical therapist assistant when observing signs of agitation in a patient with dementia?

1. End the session immediately and refer to the evaluating PT for reexamination.

2. Speak to the patient at a high volume and maintain eye contact to achieve communication.

3. Recognize these as calming behaviors and encourage the patient to perform heel raises and handgrip strengthening.

4. Use a calm, respectful, and low tone of voice to determine the cause of the agitation.

The correct answer is: Use a calm, respectful, and low tone of voice to determine the cause of the agitation.

The appropriate reaction when observing signs of agitation in a patient with dementia is to use a calm, respectful, and low tone of voice to determine the cause of the agitation. This approach is beneficial because individuals with dementia may experience heightened anxiety or agitation due to confusion, discomfort, or environmental factors. By speaking in a low, soothing tone, the therapist assistant helps create a sense of safety and reassurance, which can reduce the patient’s distress. Additionally, engaging the patient in a gentle dialogue can reveal underlying issues that might be causing the agitation, such as pain, unfamiliarity with the environment, or unmet needs. This method emphasizes empathy and connection, fostering better communication and understanding between the therapist and the patient. The other options do not reflect best practices for managing agitation in this vulnerable population. Ending the session immediately may dismiss the patient’s concerns and needs without further investigation. Speaking loudly and making intense eye contact can be intimidating, inadvertently escalating the agitation. Recognizing agitation as calming behaviors does not align with the reality of the patient's emotional state and does not address their immediate needs.