Pediatric PT Top Ten

Question 1

What are the pediatric top 10

Answer 1

1) Kids are not “little adults”
2) Need to understand typical sensory-motor development to identify atypical behaviors
3) Not all pediatric PT is the same: the setting drives the intervention
4) Be familiar w/ basic developmental, functional, & pain assessment and outcome measures to develop to develop the POC
5) All kids need daily physical activity
6) Play is the work of the child
7) Good communication is essential w/ the child, caregivers, & all related service providers
8) Involve the family to develop realistic goals & use typical routines w/siblings & peers
9) Use assistive technology, durable medical equipment (DME), orthotics, & other compensatory strategies
10) Know when the child’s medical presentation is outside the PT scope of practice and refer as appropriate

Question 2

What are the challenges with Kids are not “little adults”

Answer 2

• All developing systems are growing & changing
• Musculoskeletal system: bones are cartilaginous then ossify at different rates throughout childhood
• Wolf’s law

Question 3

At what age is pronation the norm typically

Answer 3

• 5 year olds

Question 4

What is the typical alignment of newborns’ hips/knees

Answer 4

• Antetorsion
• Coxa valga
• Genu varus

Question 5

At what age is the typical growth spurts for females/males

Answer 5

• Females: 12 y/o
• Males: 14 y/o

Question 6

Describe the embryonic stage

Answer 6

• Conception to 8 wks
• All major organs & systems established
• Many birth defects occur during this phase

Question 7

Describe the fetal stage

Answer 7

• 8wks to 40 wks
• Fetus continues to grow & develop

Question 8

Gross motor developmental progression and approximate time frame

Answer 8

• Rolling: ~4 mo
• Sitting: ~6 mo
• Creeping: ~8 mo
• Fist independent steps: ~12 mo

Question 9

Describe the medical model pediatric PT

Answer 9

• It’s more intensive “hands on” direct care with global goals that impact the child in ADL’s throughout many environments including the home & community

Question 10

Difference b/w early intervention and school based services

Answer 10

• Early intervention: Mandated service to children from birth to 3 years of age with developmental delay; services in natural environment
• School: Goals focus on improved mobility & access to the school environment using an inclusion model; mandated services for students 3 to 21 y/o with delays affecting their ability to learn

Question 11

What are the 2 common developmental assessments used for pediatrics

Answer 11

• Denver II screen (4 domains GM FM language personal-social)
• Peabody developmental motor scales (assess GM & FM)

Question 12

Common functional assessments for pediatric patients

Answer 12

• PEDI: Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory
• GMFM: Gross Motor Function Assessment (for CP, Down syndrome)
• SFA: School Function Assessment

Question 13

PEDIATRIC VITAL SIGNS in the Preschooler (3-5 years)

Answer 13

• Heart rate (bpm): 80-120
• Blood Pressure (mm Hg): Systolic 80-110; Diastolic 50-80
• Respiratory Rate: 15-25
• Weight in pounds: 31-40

Question 14

Basic red flags in pediatrics

Answer 14

• Signs of abuse
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty breathing
• Cyanosis
• Projectile vomiting
• Failure to make eye contact
• Repetitive motor mannerisms