Physical Therapist Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions in the
Geriatric Client (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Melissa Bednarek
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Nonfinancial: Melissa Bednarek has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses.
Physical therapists commonly treat older adults in the post-acute setting, specifically home health and outpatient. Geriatric clients often present with one or more cardiopulmonary conditions, either as the reason for the referral to physical therapy or as a comorbidity that may affect the client’s ability to participate in and benefit from physical therapy. It is critical that a physical therapist working in a post-acute setting be able to accurately evaluate a client’s cardiopulmonary system and then make appropriate clinical decisions regarding appropriateness of exercise based on this information. This webinar will focus on proper technique to obtain vital signs (pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure) as well as heart and lung sounds. Based on the interpretation of the results of a cardiopulmonary examination, appropriate clinical decisions regarding beginning/terminating exercise will be discussed through case studies.
Meet your instructor
Melissa Bednarek
Dr. Melissa Bednarek received her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and psychology from St. Bonaventure University, followed by a Master of Physical Therapy from MCP Hahnemann University. Following four years of acute care experience, she returned to graduate school to complete a PhD in physiology from…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction
The importance of a thorough and accurate cardiopulmonary examination including vital signs and cardiopulmonary auscultation will be discussed through an overview of the common cardiopulmonary diagnoses that a geriatric client may present within the post-acute setting.
2. Vital Signs: Pulse, Respiratory Rate, and Oxygen Saturation
This chapter will provide a review and demonstration of the technique necessary to obtain an accurate pulse, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Important aspects of documenting these vital signs will be discussed.
3. Vital Signs: Blood Pressure
This chapter will provide a review and demonstration of important steps to take to obtain an accurate blood pressure reading. A discussion of orthostatic hypotension and hypertension crisis will also be included.
4. Cardiac Auscultation
This chapter will provide a review and demonstration of technique to auscultate heart sounds. A description of common findings will be included.
5. Pulmonary Auscultation
This chapter will provide a review and demonstration of technique to auscultate lung sounds. A description of common findings will be included.
6. Interpretation and Appropriateness of Exercise
Now being familiar with how to perform an accurate cardiopulmonary exam, the appropriateness of exercise will be discussed through case studies. Specifically, decisions to continue, hold, or modify exercise, based on resting and exercise response, will be highlighted.
7. Question and Answer Session
This chapter is a question and answer session facilitated by the instructor, Melissa Bednarek.