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Introduction
1. Cardiopulmonary system
2. Pulmonary system
3. Neuromuscular system
4. Pediatrics
5. Musculoskeletal system
6. Other system
6.1 Integumentary system
6.2 Lymphedema
6.3 Gastrointestinal, reproductive and renal system
6.4 Endocrine and metabolic systems
6.5 Cancer and psychological conditions
6.6 Infectious disease, immune disorders, and hematological disorders
7. Non systems
Wrapping up
6.6 Infectious disease, immune disorders, and hematological disorders
Infectious disease, immune disorders, and hematological disorders | Other system | Achievable NPTE-PTA
Achievable NPTE-PTA
6. Other system
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Infectious disease, immune disorders, and hematological disorders
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HIV/AIDS
Overview
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
attacks the immune system, specifically CD4+ T-cells, leading to immunosuppression
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
is the advanced stage of HIV, characterized by severe immune system compromise and opportunistic infections
Signs and symptoms
Fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats
Chronic diarrhea
Opportunistic infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis)
Peripheral neuropathy
Kaposi’s sarcoma (vascular skin tumor)
Muscle wasting and weakness
PT implications
Exercise considerations
Moderate aerobic and resistance exercise is beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and function.
Avoid high-intensity exercise in patients with advanced disease.
Monitor for excessive fatigue and autonomic dysfunction (HR, BP).
Neuropathy management
Balance training and fall prevention strategies.
Pain management techniques (TENS, massage, stretching).
Infection control
Standard precautions (gloves, hand hygiene) when treating open wounds.
Avoid over-fatiguing the patient to reduce susceptibility to infections.
Staphylococcal infection (staph infection)
Overview
Caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
, a common bacterium found on the skin and mucous membranes.
Can cause localized infections (boils, cellulitis) or systemic infections (sepsis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis)
Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a drug-resistant strain
Signs and symptoms
Skin infections: Red, swollen, painful lesions (abscesses, boils)
Osteomyelitis: Bone infection causing deep pain, fever, and localized swelling
Sepsis: Fever, hypotension, multi-organ failure
PT implications
Infection control
Use contact precautions (gloves, gowns) when treating open wounds.
Disinfect equipment properly.
Osteomyelitis management
Avoid weight-bearing on the affected limb until cleared by the physician.
Implement gradual mobility training.
Post-infection recovery
Monitor for persistent fatigue and weakness post-sepsis.
Implement strength training with caution in recovering patients.
Streptococcal infection (strep infection)
Overview
Caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Common types include:
Group A Streptococcus (GAS): Causes strep throat, rheumatic fever, necrotizing fasciitis
Group B Streptococcus (GBS): Can cause neonatal infections and sepsis
Signs and symptoms
Strep throat: Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes
Scarlet fever: Red rash, high fever, sore throat
Rheumatic fever: Post-strep autoimmune response affecting joints, heart, skin, CNS
Necrotizing fasciitis: Rapidly spreading soft tissue infection
PT implications
Rheumatic fever development
Can cause carditis → monitor for fatigue, dyspnea during exercise.
Avoid overexertion due to potential cardiac involvement.
Necrotizing fasciitis development
Requires surgical debridement → PT for wound care and functional recovery.
Post-infection weakness
Strengthening and endurance training for patients recovering from severe strep infections.
Anemia
Overview
Condition characterized by low red blood cell (RBC) count or hemoglobin, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues
Causes include iron deficiency, chronic disease, or blood loss
Signs and symptoms
Fatigue, weakness
Pallor (pale skin)
Shortness of breath
Dizziness, hypotension
Tachycardia
PT implications
Exercise considerations
Avoid high-intensity exercise due to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.
Monitor vital signs to prevent dizziness or syncope.
Orthostatic hypotension
Encourage slow positional changes
Provide external support of an abdominal binder or compression stockings
Address underlying causes
Work with a healthcare team if anemia is due to chronic disease (e.g., kidney disease, GI disorders).
Sickle cell anemia
Overview
Genetic blood disorder causing abnormally shaped RBCs, leading to vaso-occlusion and reduced oxygen delivery
Common in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent
Signs and symptoms
Pain crises: Severe pain episodes due to blocked blood flow
Fatigue and anemia: Chronic low RBC count leads to weakness
Swelling in hands/feet: Due to poor circulation.
Increased risk of stroke: Due to impaired blood flow to the brain
PT implications
Avoid overexertion
High-intensity exercise can trigger a sickle cell crisis
Hydration is critical to prevent red blood cell sickling
Pain management
Use gentle ROM exercises and warm compresses during pain episodes
TENS and relaxation techniques can help with pain relief
Monitor for stroke signs
Sudden weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty → medical emergency
Cold intolerance
Avoid cold environments, as cold can trigger vasoconstriction and pain crises
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