A physical therapist encounters a patient with blisters caused by heat from a hot pack. What is the most appropriate action for the therapist?

The most appropriate action for the therapist encountering a patient with blisters caused by heat from a hot pack is to complete an incident report. This step is crucial because it formally documents the occurrence of an adverse event, detailing the circumstances, the nature of the injury, and any immediate actions taken to address the situation. Completing an incident report helps to ensure accountability and contributes to quality improvement by allowing the facility to review and analyze the event, potentially preventing future occurrences.

In addition, preparing an incident report serves as a legal and professional safeguard for both the therapist and the institution. It demonstrates adherence to protocols regarding patient safety and effective communication within the healthcare team.

While contacting the referring physician may be necessary in some situations to ensure appropriate patient care, the immediate priority in this case should be to document the incident properly. Modifying documentation from the previous treatment session or avoiding documentation altogether are not advisable actions, as they could lead to issues with transparency and could compromise patient safety and the integrity of medical records. Hence, fulfilling the duty to document through an incident report is critical in this scenario.