Prior to heat application, the PT/PTA should which of the following?

• A. Carefully inspect the area to be treated
• B. Assess the patient's cognitive status
• C. Assess the patient's ability to communicate
• D. Determine the patient's tolerance for heat

Answer: (A)

Before applying heat, you must visually inspect the area to be treated for safety and appropriateness. This step looks for skin integrity issues or conditions that could be worsened by heat—open wounds, infections, rashes, dermatitis, burns, edema, or fragile skin—and also signs of reduced sensation or poor circulation that could mask a burn. Identifying these factors guides whether heat is suitable, what modality to use, and how long to apply it. While understanding a patient’s ability to communicate or their overall cognitive status matters for monitoring and safety overall, they do not replace the need to first confirm the skin area can safely receive heat. Tolerance to heat is evaluated during treatment, not assumed beforehand, to prevent burns or adverse reactions.