In a collaborative plan, who coordinates between PT and the nurse when PT is ordered?

• A. The physician alone
• B. The nurse, coordinating with PT
• C. The patient
• D. The PT alone

Answer: (B)

Coordinated care across disciplines relies on effective communication and a clear point person to align therapies with overall patient needs. The nurse is in the best position to coordinate between therapy and medical care because they have ongoing contact with the patient, monitor daily status, medications, and safety, and can arrange when and how therapy sessions fit into the plan. When physical therapy is ordered, the nurse prepares the patient, ensures there are no contraindications, coordinates scheduling and transportation, and relays progress or new concerns back to the team, keeping the therapy aligned with the broader plan.

The physician sets orders but isn’t typically managing day-to-day coordination with the therapy team. The patient is an active participant but doesn’t usually serve as the coordinator. The physical therapist leads the therapy sessions, but needs the nurse to integrate the therapy with medical care and patient safety.