ABPTS CCS case studies
ABPTS CCS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ABPTS Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist credential (CCS) is a board-certification designation for licensed physical therapists who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in managing patients with cardiac and pulmonary conditions. It signals that a clinician can examine, evaluate, and make clinical decisions across the continuum-from acute care and the ICU through outpatient rehabilitation and secondary prevention-and can interpret diagnostic data, prescribe exercise, educate patients and caregivers, and practice within professional and research standards. The ABPTS CCS case studies are 5 cases and about 4,104 words.
1Post-CABG Day 1: Walk Him in the Hallway or Not?
K is a 68-year-old man on postoperative day 1 after four-vessel CABG, extubated 6 hours ago. Current values: HR 108 sinus, BP 92/54 mmHg on norepinephrine 0.06 mcg/kg/min, SpO2 95% on high-flow nasal cannula FiO2 0.45 at 40 L/min, RR 24, temperature 37.8 C.
788 words, about 4 min2Dizziness at 98 bpm in Phase II Cardiac Rehab
R is a 62-year-old woman starting phase II cardiac rehabilitation three weeks after an NSTEMI treated with PCI to the circumflex artery. Her resting ECG shows sinus rhythm at 62, PR 218 ms, QRS 138 ms with a left bundle branch pattern, and left axis deviation; there are no acute ST changes.
775 words, about 4 min3Beta-Blockade, Chronotropic Incompetence, and a Target Heart Rate
A is 57 years old with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF 30%, NYHA class II) from ischemic cardiomyopathy. He takes carvedilol 12.5 mg twice daily, sacubitril/valsartan, eplerenone, and empagliflozin.
825 words, about 4 min4Oxygen Titration in Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease
L is 71 years old with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (FVC 58% predicted, DLCO 39% predicted) referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. At rest she has SpO2 91% on room air and RR 22, and she uses 2 L/min from a portable concentrator for exertion at home.
861 words, about 4 min5Four of Twelve Sessions: Nonadherence or a Broken Plan?
T is 54 years old, six weeks after a STEMI treated with PCI, enrolled in phase II cardiac rehabilitation. She has attended 4 of 12 scheduled sessions.
855 words, about 4 min