District of Columbia Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which of the following is included in the scope of physical therapy?

1. Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis based on tests and measures

2. Physical fitness evaluation only

3. Social support programs

4. Cosmetic procedures

The correct answer is: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis based on tests and measures

The scope of physical therapy encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that include assessing a patient's status and providing appropriate interventions. This includes diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis based on a variety of tests and measures. As licensed professionals, physical therapists utilize their expertise to evaluate patients’ physical functioning, identify impairments, develop treatment plans, and monitor progress throughout the rehabilitation process. In contrast, physical fitness evaluations on their own focus solely on an individual's fitness levels without the context of therapeutic intervention, which is limited in scope compared to the comprehensive care provided by physical therapists. Social support programs, while they can be part of a holistic approach to health, are not inherently part of the clinical responsibilities of a physical therapist and do not directly align with the primary goals of physical rehabilitation. Cosmetic procedures do not fall within the therapeutic realm of physical therapy practice, as this specialty primarily focuses on restoring function and improving quality of life through rehabilitative measures, rather than aesthetic enhancements.