National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What type of room would a physical therapist assistant expect to enter for a patient with a restrictive lung disease awaiting a lung transplant?

1. A room requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for contact precautions

2. A room with positive air pressure

3. A room with negative air pressure

4. A room with no special considerations

The correct answer is: A room with positive air pressure

The correct choice is a room with positive air pressure. In healthcare settings, positive air pressure rooms are commonly used for patients who are immunocompromised or those who have respiratory conditions, such as restrictive lung disease, that can benefit from a controlled environment. In a positive pressure room, the air pressure inside the room is higher than the air pressure outside, which helps to prevent outside contaminants from entering the space. This is crucial for patients who may be awaiting procedures like a lung transplant, as these individuals often have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to infections. The controlled environment helps protect the patient from airborne pathogens. The other options imply different environments that are less suitable for this scenario. Rooms requiring PPE for contact precautions are typically for patients with infections that can be transmitted through physical contact, not for those in need of respiratory support. Negative air pressure rooms are used for patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, where air is drawn into the room and filtered, preventing pathogens from escaping. A room with no special considerations would not provide the necessary protections for a patient at risk of infection due to a compromised lung function and the process of awaiting a transplant.