Nutrition: Three PT Clinical Reasoning Cases
Three original clinical teaching checks on risk screening, exercise readiness and interdisciplinary care. Answers are revealed only when selected.
Case 1: Unexpected fatigue and inadequate intake
A hospitalized patient reports poor appetite, unintentional weight loss, and difficulty completing basic mobility. Which next step best fits PT practice?
Reveal the reasoning
Assess functional and medical stability, document the intake concern without diagnosing malnutrition, and coordinate referral to the medical/nutrition team. Continue appropriately modified mobility according to current clinical status.
Case 2: Diabetes and a skipped meal
Someone arrives for planned exercise feeling shaky after taking a glucose-lowering medication and missing breakfast. What should happen before exercise progresses?
Reveal the reasoning
Pause exercise and assess the situation using the applicable glucose/hypoglycemia protocol and medical instructions. Do not assume the symptom has one cause or proceed because the session is scheduled.
Case 3: Nutrition after surgery
A person following a vegan eating pattern has a complex postoperative recovery. Should diet label alone determine your rehab prognosis?
Reveal the reasoning
No. Ask respectfully about actual energy and protein intake, recovery demands, functional status and potential nutrient concerns. Coordinate individualized advice with a registered dietitian rather than assuming deficiency.
Educational exercise from my PT-school source materials. These scenarios do not provide medical nutrition therapy, individual diagnosis or medication management.
