Abstract
A 73-year-old patient diagnosed with acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 3 sessions over 3 days in an acute care setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the 5 Time Sit-to-Stand test, the Short Performance Battery Test, the 6 Minute Walk Test, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6 Clicks” and auscultation for the presence of a third heart sound. A plan of care was established to address decreased functional strength, lower extremity functional capacity, balance, walking endurance, and reduced quality of life. The main goals for the patient were increased lower extremity functional capacity, improved walking endurance and improved quality of life. The primary interventions used were early mobilization, strength, mobility, balance and endurance training, which included over-ground gait training and targeted functional training. The patient responded well to physical therapy, made measurable improvements in walking endurance and quality of life, and was discharged home.