Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

In which situation would a rollback to sitting or lying be most appropriate during therapy?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Persistent pain

3. Signs of dizziness

4. Decreased blood pressure

The correct answer is: Signs of dizziness

Rolling back to a sitting or lying position is most appropriate when a patient exhibits signs of dizziness. Dizziness can indicate a potential risk for falls or other complications, particularly when a patient is upright. By guiding the patient to a more stable position, such as sitting or lying down, therapists can help ensure their safety and prevent injury. This response allows for a more controlled situation where the health professional can assess the cause of the dizziness and provide appropriate interventions. In contrast, while increased heart rate, persistent pain, and decreased blood pressure may require attention, they do not necessarily demand an immediate rollback to a seated or lying position in the same way that dizziness does. Increased heart rate can be a normal physiological response to exertion, and persistent pain may suggest a need for repositioning but not necessarily immediate withdrawal to a lower position. Decreased blood pressure can be serious, but the response should be tailored to the patient's individual circumstances and may not require lying down unless accompanied by dizziness or other symptoms that suggest instability.