CourseDraft

Rehab complications + safety (Intermediate clinician)

Intermediate clinician sequence on common rehab-phase complications and safety: dysphagia, spasticity/shoulder pain, falls risk, return to driving/work considerations, and practical monitoring/escalation themes.

ClinicianClinicianIntermediate110 minClinical (pro)

Educational only

Educational only — follow local protocols and SLP/PT/OT/PM&R guidance.

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Treat airway compromise, suspected aspiration, and sudden neurologic decline as emergencies—escalate immediately per protocol.

Key takeaways

  • Identify common rehab-phase complications and what to monitor
  • Apply swallow safety and aspiration pneumonia prevention concepts
  • Use a goal-based approach to spasticity/shoulder pain/contracture prevention
  • Communicate safety risks and referrals clearly in outpatient/inpatient handoffs

Lesson sequence

  • 1. Post-stroke dysphagia guideline deep dive (screening, assessment, treatment options)
  • 2. Spasticity management options (multidisciplinary concepts)
  • 3. Spasticity + shoulder pain + contracture prevention (rehab complications)
  • 4. Falls prevention at home + when to use alerts (patient/caregiver safety)
  • 5. Return to driving/work/school (functional + legal considerations)

Capstone

  • Write a one-paragraph rehab safety handoff: biggest risks + what to watch for + who to call

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. Which is an instrumental swallow assessment?

Question 2

2. A goal-based framing helps prioritize spasticity management choices.

Question 3

3. A high-impact fall-prevention action is…

References

  1. Tier 2
    ESO/ESSD post-stroke dysphagia guideline (PMC)
  2. Tier 1
    AHA/ASA Stroke Rehabilitation & Recovery Guideline (2016)
  3. Tier 1
    NICE NG236 Stroke rehabilitation recommendations