Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

What does the entry made on the last date of therapeutic intervention represent if made by a PT in an acute-care hospital?

1. Documentation of the conclusion of care

2. A summary of all previous treatments

3. Initial evaluation findings

4. A request for further care

The correct answer is: Documentation of the conclusion of care

The entry made by a physical therapist on the last date of therapeutic intervention in an acute-care hospital represents the documentation of the conclusion of care. In this context, it serves to formally indicate that the treatment session has concluded and the patient's course of therapy has reached its endpoint. This documentation is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a clear record for both the healthcare team and the patient, signifying that the therapy goals have either been met or that the patient is being discharged from that level of care. Additionally, it supports continuity of care by informing future providers about the therapy process the patient received, along with any progress or changes observed up to that point. While it may include some elements that summarize previous treatments, the primary focus of this entry at the conclusion of care is on the final assessment and outcome of those treatments rather than a detailed narrative of the entire therapeutic journey. The initial evaluation findings would have been documented earlier in the treatment process and would not appear in the final entry. A request for further care would typically not be recorded in this context but rather communicated through other means within the healthcare system.