Deck 18: Physical Agent Modalities

Question 1

An OTA has informed her employer that she is certified in PAMs when in fact she had only learned about them in school and has no additional education. Which principle of the AOTA Code of Ethics has the OTA violated?

A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Veracity

Answer 1

Veracity

Question 2

What is the first thing an OTA should take into consideration when deciding on utilizing PAMs with a client?

A) The client's overall goals and needs
B) Contraindications for each PAM with the client's condition
C) How much time the client can tolerate the PAMs
D) Which PAM has the best evidence for the problem

Answer 2

The client's overall goals and needs

Question 3

An OT practitioner is considering the benefit of utilizing PAMs as a part of his practice. What must the OT practitioner do first before he can begin this intervention?

A) Take a number of courses on PAMs.
B) Demonstrate overall competence in PAMs.
C) Seek employment in a clinic that offers PAMs for training the practitioner.
D) Note the licensure laws in the state or province regarding PAMs.

Answer 3

Demonstrate overall competence in PAMs.

Question 4

An OT practitioner is preparing a client for paraffin treatment. The OTA instructs the client to wash and dry her hand completely before dipping it in the hot paraffin. Why is it important to dry her hand completely?

A) The paraffin will not stick to a wet hand.
B) Excess water can cause burns.
C) It is a hygienic practice because multiple clients will utilize the paraffin.
D) Excess water can cause the paraffin to cool prematurely.

Question 5

An OT practitioner is utilizing PAMs as a preparatory activity to help control pain in a client's upper extremity. What is the most likely benefit of using PAMs in this client's treatment?

A) Clients often benefit from a biomechanical approach to rehabilitation.
B) PAMs are evidence based; therefore, the client will be receiving best-practice treatment.
C) The client will be more willing to engage in occupation-based activities after the use of the PAMs.
D) The client will keep coming to therapy due to effective pain relief.

Question 6

An OTA who is certified in PAMs is planning to move to another state. What should the OTA do first in relation to her certification?

A) Find out the practice guidelines for the state she moving to.
B) Inform the future employer that she is certified in PAMs.
C) Send the modalities certificate to the state licensure board.
D) Renew the certification with each move.

Question 7

What does an OTA need to know about in order to be considered competent in PAMs in his or her state?

A) The OTA can safely perform PAMs and has met the state guidelines.
B) The OTA has passed a test about PAMs with the minimum passing score.
C) The OTA is able to articulate the different PAMs and their use.
D) The OTA does not overuse PAMs.

Question 8

An OTA who is not certified in PAMs is utilizing them in his treatment. The OTA is utilizing techniques that are contraindicated for his client. Which principle of the AOTA Code of Ethics has the OTA violated?

A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Veracity
D) Autonomy

Question 9

An OT practitioner has just received an order from a physician to utilize hot packs on a client who is in the acute phase of injury. What should the OTA do first in response to this order?

A) Remind the physician of the contraindication for this PAM and ask for cryotherapy.
B) Ask the client if he will be able to tolerate heat packs.
C) Carry out the treatment with half as much heat.
D) Ignore the physician and do the correct treatment the client needs.

Question 10

An OT practitioner is interested in incorporating PAMs into her practice. What type of activity would this be considered in relation to an overall treatment session?

A) Preparatory activity
B) Purposeful activity
C) Occupation-based activity
D) Foundational activity