National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free NPTE Practice Questions and Study Guide

In instances where a patient exhibits signs of infection before undergoing manual lymphatic drainage, holding the treatment and consulting immediately with the supervising physical therapist is the most appropriate course of action. Manual lymphatic drainage is a technique that can enhance lymphatic flow and encourage detoxification. However, if an infection is present, this method may exacerbate the condition by dispersing infectious agents throughout the body or could worsen the patient's overall state.

Consulting the supervising physical therapist is crucial because they can perform a comprehensive assessment and decide on the safest and most effective pathway for treatment. This action ensures that patient safety is prioritized and that any necessary modifications to the treatment plan can be made in light of the patient's condition.

In contrast, increasing warm-up time or modifying exercise may not address the underlying issues of an infection, and continuing without changes risks further complicating the patient's health. Similarly, proceeding with the plan while only notifying the PT after starting treatment fails to proactively manage the potential risks associated with the infection. Thus, the correct approach emphasizes assessment and collaboration to ensure patient safety.