Arizona PT Jurisprudence case studies
Arizona PT Jurisprudence · Put your knowledge to work in context.
This page introduces the Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination - the Arizona-specific law and rules component that physical therapist and physical therapist assistant candidates, and currently licensed clinicians, encounter alongside the national physical therapy examinations. It is written for candidates preparing to show that they understand the statutes and Board rules that govern practice in Arizona, and for licensees who want a structured refresher. The Arizona PT Jurisprudence case studies are 5 cases and about 3,605 words.
1The Walk-In With Jaw Soreness
A 54-year-old man walks into an Arizona outpatient clinic without a referral, asking for help with "shoulder pain" that started two weeks ago. He points to his left shoulder and upper arm and calls it "a soreness that spreads up to my jaw." He mentions it comes on when he climbs the stairs at his job and eases after about a minute of rest.
722 words, about 4 min2Two Days Off-Site
A physical therapist is clinical director of a single-site Arizona clinic staffed by two physical therapist assistants, one unlicensed aide, and a front-desk coordinator. She is scheduled to attend a conference out of town for two days.
740 words, about 4 min3The Snowbird Who Went Home
An Arizona-licensed physical therapist has been treating a 71-year-old patient for eight weeks following a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The patient, a Minnesota resident, has returned home for the summer and asks to continue twice-weekly sessions by video because "it was finally working." The clinic owner is enthusiastic - the visits bill well and no new evaluation is needed.
680 words, about 3 min4The Senior Therapist After Lunch
A physical therapist two months out of school joins an Arizona clinic where a senior colleague has practiced for 20 years and brings in a large share of referrals. Over three weeks she notices the senior therapist returning from lunch with slurred speech, unsteady gait, and a smell of alcohol, once dropping a gait belt mid-transfer with a patient who has a recent hip fracture.
705 words, about 4 min5The Custody File
A 15-year-old soccer player is brought to an Arizona clinic by her stepfather for a lateral ankle sprain. The mother is out of town; the stepfather is not her legal guardian and says the mother "will sign anything later." The girl is treated for two visits.
758 words, about 4 min