Physical Therapist-Inpatient

How do you keep your documentation accurate and timely on a busy inpatient caseload?

What they are checking: Whether they finish notes on time, which affects billing, handoffs and patient safety.

Tell me about a time a nurse or physician pushed back on your recommendation.

What they are checking: Whether they can explain their clinical reasoning and work through disagreements as a team.

This is a per diem role. How do you get up to speed quickly on patients you haven't seen before?

What they are checking: Whether they can pick up a caseload fast from chart review and handoff.

A patient's blood pressure drops when you get them up to the edge of the bed. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize orthostatic changes and respond safely before pushing mobility.

A patient refuses therapy and says they're too tired. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can motivate patients while respecting their right to refuse and documenting it.

How do you set goals with a stroke patient who has big hopes but a long road ahead?

What they are checking: Whether they set realistic, meaningful goals while keeping the patient engaged.

How do you prioritize your caseload when you have more patients than time?

What they are checking: Whether they put discharges and high-risk patients first so the hospital keeps moving.

Walk me through your evaluation of a patient two days after a total knee replacement.

What they are checking: Whether they have a thorough, efficient evaluation that leads to a clear plan of care.

How do you decide a patient is safe to discharge home versus needing rehab or a skilled facility?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh function, home setup and support to make sound discharge recommendations.

You supervise assistants, rehab techs and students. How do you decide what to hand off to a PTA?

What they are checking: Whether they delegate within the PTA's scope and stay responsible for the plan of care.