ABPTS ECS case studies
ABPTS ECS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ABPTS Examination for Clinical Specialization (ECS) is the certification exam associated with board-certified emergency care specialization in physical therapy. It is designed for licensed physical therapists who already practice in emergency departments, urgent care, or acute care settings and want to demonstrate advanced, specialty-level competence in emergency care. The ABPTS ECS case studies are 5 cases and about 4,328 words.
1Triage of a Mass Casualty Incident with Limited Resources
You are the physical therapist on duty in a hospital-based outpatient clinic when a mass casualty incident is declared. A bus crash has produced 15 casualties arriving at the emergency department (ED).
1,129 words, about 6 min2Chest Pain in a Patient with Recent Spinal Cord Injury
A 55-year-old male with T6 paraplegia (complete) from a motor vehicle accident 6 months ago presents to the emergency department with a 2-hour history of severe, squeezing chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. He also reports nausea and diaphoresis.
1,013 words, about 5 min3Suspected Cervical Spine Injury in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis
A 68-year-old male with a 20-year history of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) presents to the emergency department after a ground-level fall at home. He tripped on a rug and fell forward, striking his forehead.
761 words, about 4 min4Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient with a Physical Therapy Session Scheduled
A 22-year-old female with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). She was found at home confused and vomiting, with a blood glucose of 480 mg/dL, arterial pH 7.15, and bicarbonate 10 mEq/L.
618 words, about 3 min5Ethical Dilemma: Patient Refuses Emergency Evacuation During a Hurricane
You are a physical therapist working in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in a coastal area. A Category 4 hurricane is predicted to make landfall in 24 hours.
807 words, about 4 min