Which of the following is a critical action for a physical therapist addressing a patient with a tibia fracture reporting increasing pain?

• A. Delay treatment until the orthopedic physician arrives
• B. Page the orthopedic physician to investigate her symptoms
• C. Recommend the patient increases physical therapy exercises
• D. Administer additional pain medication immediately

Answer: (B)

Paging the orthopedic physician to investigate the patient's symptoms is a critical action in this scenario because it ensures immediate professional assessment and intervention for the increased pain associated with a tibia fracture. When a patient with such an injury reports worsening pain, it may indicate complications or a need for reevaluation of the fracture's healing process, such as signs of infection, hardware failure, or other complications that require a physician's expertise.

In this situation, timely communication with the orthopedic physician promotes appropriate interventions that can directly address the patient's condition, ensuring their safety and addressing any underlying issues. This action aligns with the principle of collaborative care, highlighting the importance of employing a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage the patient’s condition and alleviate their symptoms.

Other options may not provide the necessary immediate response to the patient’s worsening condition. For example, delaying treatment ignores the patient's suffering and potential complications. Increasing physical therapy exercises without consulting the physician may worsen the condition, while administering additional pain medication without a physician’s guidance could mask symptoms and delay necessary medical treatment. Therefore, contacting the orthopedic physician promptly is the most appropriate course of action when faced with increasing pain in a patient with a tibia fracture.