Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which part of the therapist's body is most appropriate for assessing a patient's skin temperature?

1. Palms of the hands

2. Dorsum of the hand

3. Forearm

4. Cheek

The correct answer is: Dorsum of the hand

The dorsum of the hand is the most appropriate part of the therapist's body for assessing a patient's skin temperature because it provides a good balance between sensitivity and surface area. The dorsum has a higher density of temperature receptors compared to the palms, making it more effective for detecting subtle changes in skin temperature. Additionally, using the back of the hand minimizes the risk of heat from the therapist's palms influencing the assessment, as the palms can retain warmth and may not provide an accurate comparison of temperature differences on the patient's skin. For assessments, it is crucial to use a part of the body that does not introduce bias in temperature evaluation, which is why options like the palms may not be ideal. The forearm could also be considered, but it is less sensitive than the dorsum of the hand and may not provide as immediate or reliable feedback. The cheek is also not a preferred choice for this purpose, as it is affected by the ambient temperature and might not accurately reflect the skin temperature of the patient’s treated areas. Thus, the dorsum of the hand is the optimal choice for this specific assessment.