Patient Prioritization Guidelines

Question 1

Priority #1

Answer 1

1. Unstable patient where prompt PT is essential to positively influence the course of illness
2. A new assessment where PT is required
3. A priority 2 patient that has not received PT intervention for 2 working days

Question 2

Priority #1 example: unstable patient

Answer 2

Deteriorating respiratory status that will respond to physiotherapeutic intervention
For example:
- Deteriorating ventilation (i.e. acute quadriplegia)
- Retained secretions with ineffective cough
- Significant atelectatsis or segmental/lobar collapse
- New ICU transfer with respiratory concerns (i.e. extubated patients at risk for
re-intubation)

Question 3

Priority #1 example: new patient

Answer 3

• Mobility assessment for safety of patient/staff, i.e.: new CVA, BI, new
  amputee, traumatic injuries/traumatic surgeries, and patients mobilizing at risk
• Tenolysis
• New tibial plateau # with CPM orders