What action should a PTT take upon noticing adverse reactions during treatment?

A Physical Therapy Technician (PTT) is responsible for the safety and well-being of the patient during treatment. Noticing adverse reactions is a critical moment that requires immediate and appropriate action. Stopping treatment and assessing the situation allows the technician to evaluate the severity and nature of the reactions, which is essential for determining the appropriate next steps.

Once the immediate assessment is complete, it is crucial to notify the supervising therapist. This ensures that the patient receives a higher level of clinical oversight and any necessary adjustments can be made to the treatment plan. Notifying the supervising therapist not only helps manage the current situation but also ensures that it is documented and addressed appropriately within the overall care strategy.

This approach prioritizes patient safety and follows established protocols in physical therapy settings. Ignoring signs or pressing forward without assessment can lead to further complications, while contacting a doctor without assessing may overlook immediate intervention that can be provided by the supervising therapist. Completing the session without addressing the adverse reactions compromises patient care and can lead to serious consequences. Hence, the correct course of action is to stop treatment, assess the situation, and notify the supervising therapist.