Which items are included in the communication and cognition system review?

• A. Measures a patient’s ability to make needs known, cognition, learning style, learning barriers, ability to read, consciousness, orientation, and emotional and behavioral responses
• B. Measures only blood pressure
• C. Assesses gait speed
• D. Evaluates reflex integrity

Answer: (A)

In physical therapy, the communication and cognition portion of the systems review focuses on how the patient expresses needs, processes information, and their overall cognitive and emotional status. That includes whether the patient can make needs known, their cognitive abilities, learning style and any learning barriers, reading ability, level of consciousness, orientation to person/place/time, and their emotional and behavioral responses. These factors directly influence how you educate the patient, ensure safety, and adapt communication strategies during treatment.

Why this set fits best is that it targets communication skills and cognitive function, which are essential for understanding care, following instructions, and engaging in therapy. In contrast, measuring blood pressure is a vital sign check related to cardiopulmonary status, gait speed assesses functional mobility and walking ability, and evaluating reflex integrity looks at neuromuscular function. Those areas belong to other parts of the systems review.