Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

What action should be taken if a facility admits a resident based on a physician's orders for specific physical therapy?

1. Consult a physical therapist immediately

2. Document the orders in the resident's chart

3. Notify nursing staff about the therapy

4. Provide the required physical therapy

The correct answer is: Consult a physical therapist immediately

The appropriate action to take if a facility admits a resident based on a physician's orders for specific physical therapy is to consult a physical therapist immediately. This is essential because a physical therapist is trained to assess the resident's needs and design a personalized therapy plan based on the physician's orders. Consulting with a physical therapist ensures that the treatment can begin promptly and effectively, adhering to the prescribed medical approach while also taking into account the resident’s specific condition and capabilities. Documentation of the physician's orders in the resident's chart is an important process but it follows the initial consult with a physical therapist for clinical implementation. Notifying the nursing staff is necessary for communication and coordination of care, yet it does not directly address initiating the therapy. Providing therapy is essential, but without consulting the physical therapist first, the therapy may not align correctly with the prescribed orders or the individual’s needs. Therefore, the most critical first step is to consult with the physical therapist to facilitate the best care for the resident.