Other Systems and Non-System Conditions
Endocrine and metabolic
For diabetes, recognize hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger) and treat with fast-acting carbohydrate before continuing; hyperglycemia brings thirst, polyuria and fatigue. Exercise lowers glucose, so advise injecting insulin into a non-exercising site and avoiding peaks of insulin action. For osteoporosis, avoid loaded spinal flexion and twisting, emphasize extension, posture and weight-bearing; for bone metastases, avoid heavy resistance and axial loading.
Amputation and prosthetics
Prevent contracture with prone positioning and avoiding prolonged hip or knee flexion in a wheelchair. Care for the residual limb with shaping, desensitization and daily skin checks; phantom sensation is common and usually managed with distraction, mirroring and graded activity rather than reassurance alone.
Across the lifespan and settings
In geriatrics, screen falls, cognition and polypharmacy; beta blockers blunt heart rate response and diuretics raise orthostatic risk. In pediatrics, use play and age-appropriate handling and know gross motor milestones. Pelvic health addresses continence and pelvic floor coordination. Oncology and lymphedema care emphasize skin integrity, gradual progressive exercise and compression as indicated.
Professional traps
Questions combine ethics, documentation and safety: obtain informed consent, respect HIPAA, document objective findings and skilled need, and follow standard precautions with gloves for body fluids.
Worked example: a client with diabetes becomes shaky and diaphoretic mid-session. Stop exercise, check glucose if possible, give 15 g of fast carbohydrate, recheck in 15 minutes, and resume only after symptoms resolve.