Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Essentials: Applying the Preferred Physical Therapist Practice Patterns(SM) (Essentials in Physical Therapy)

Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Essentials: Applying the Preferred Physical Therapist Practice Patterns(SM) answers the call to what today’s physical therapy students and clinicians are looking for when integrating the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice as it relates to the cardiopulmonary system in clinical care.

As a part of Essentials in Physical Therapy led by Series Editor Dr. Marilyn Moffat, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Essentials: Applying the Preferred Physical Therapist Practice Pattern(SM) is edited by Dr. Donna Frownfelter in a user-friendly format that not only brings together the conceptual frameworks of the Guide language, but also parallels the patterns of the Guide.

In each case, where appropriate, a brief review of the pertinent anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and imaging is provided. Each pattern then details two to three diversified case studies coinciding with the Guide format. The physical therapist examination, including history, systems review, and specific tests and measures for each case, as well as evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, and evidence-based interventions are also addressed.

Sample Cases in Some of the Practice Patterns Include:
• Primary Prevention/Risk Reduction for Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Disorders: A junior high student status post hospitalization for pneumonia with personal and familial cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors; A weekend warrior status post ACL repair with significant cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors; A medically frail elderly female with CHF in failing health.

• Impaired Ventilation Respiration/Gas Exchange, and Aerobic Capacity / Endurance Associated with Airway Clearance Dysfunction: A child with CF exacerbation and failure to thrive; a forty year old patient with CF experiencing a pulmonary exacerbation; A patient with bronchitis and emphysema who has Organic Toxic Dust Syndrome.

• Impaired Ventilation and Respiratory/Gas Exchange Associated With Ventilatory Pump Dysfunction/Failure: A child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who has acute shortness of breath with possible aspiration; A patient with Guillain Barre Syndrome, pneumonia and shortness of breath.

• Impaired Circulation and Anthropometric Dimensions Associated With Lymphatic System Disorders: A female two years status post lumpectomy and lymph node dissection for breast cancer with secondary lymphedema of her right upper extremity; A male with lower extremity lymphedema following surgery for prostate cancer.


At long last, Dr. Marilyn Moffat and Dr. Donna Frownfelter have created a book that will integrate the parameters of the Guide, as it relates to the cardiopulmonary system, into the practice arena, that not only covers the material but also allows for a problem-solving approach to learning for educators and students.