ABPTS PWCS case studies
ABPTS PWCS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Pediatric Certified Specialist (PCS) credential, administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), is a voluntary board-certification designation for licensed physical therapists who have built substantial clinical experience with infants, children, and adolescents and who want independent verification of advanced pediatric competence. Candidates typically hold a current license, meet ABPTS's clinical-practice-hour requirements, and pass a computer-based multiple-choice examination. The ABPTS PWCS case studies are 5 cases and about 3,003 words.
1Toddler with Toe-Walking and a Missed Milestone
A 22-month-old boy is referred by his pediatrician for 'stiff legs and walking on toes.' Birth history is unremarkable at 39 weeks. He sat at 9 months, pulled to stand at 15 months, and walked at 19 months.
674 words, about 3 min2School-Age Child with Cerebral Palsy: Goal Conflict Before Surgery
A 9-year-old girl with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS level II) is being evaluated before planned single-event multilevel surgery. She walks with a posterior walker at school and uses a wheelchair for distances over 200 meters.
594 words, about 3 min3Adolescent with Concussion and Pressure to Return
A 16-year-old soccer player sustained a concussion 9 days ago in a header collision. She was symptom-free at rest by day 5 and has completed a graded aerobic program without symptom provocation.
557 words, about 3 min4Premature Infant Referral: Evidence and Family Priorities
A 30-week preterm infant is now 4 months corrected age and referred by the NICU follow-up clinic for 'tightness and delayed head control.' Parents are recent immigrants, speak limited English, and have declined the interpreter twice, saying their older child 'translates fine.' The infant was on CPAP for 10 days, has a history of grade I intraventricular hemorrhage, and was discharged on an enriched formula. Examination: head control present briefly in supported sitting, asymmetric tonic neck reflex still present, increased extensor tone in trunk with arching when upset, and bilateral fisted hands.
594 words, about 3 min5Department Quality Initiative: A Measure That Would Mislead
You lead a pediatric outpatient therapy team. Administration asks you to adopt a new quality metric: 'percent of children who improve at least 5 points on a functional mobility measure by discharge,' to be compared across therapists and used in annual reviews.
584 words, about 3 min