A physical therapist treats a patient diagnosed with spinal stenosis while the patient lies prone on a treatment plinth with a hot pack draped over the low back. What is the MOST effective method to monitor the patient?

Using a bell for the patient to ring if the hot pack becomes too hot is the most effective method to monitor the patient's safety. This approach empowers the patient to communicate discomfort or any adverse feelings directly. The nature of heat therapy requires careful attention to the patient's comfort and safety, as excessive heat can lead to burns or skin irritation.

Providing a mechanism for the patient to alert the therapist ensures that they can respond immediately, addressing concerns as they arise without relying solely on the therapist's periodic checks. This method prioritizes the patient's autonomy and allows for the immediate cessation of treatment should the heat become intolerable.

While checking on the patient every ten minutes is important, it might not be frequent enough to catch issues in a timely manner, especially if the patient feels discomfort in between checks. Instructing the patient to remove the hot pack could put them at risk of injury if they are in discomfort but hesitant to act quickly without guidance. Selecting an alternate modality may sidestep the need for close monitoring, yet it does not facilitate the ongoing utilization of the hot pack effectively. Thus, equipping the patient with a way to communicate about their comfort level with the heat is the best choice in this scenario.