Free Ultimate Occupational Therapy Assistant Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A finger deformity that has the MPs extended, the PIP joint flexed, and the DIP joint extended is referred as:
- boutonniere deformity (Correct answer)
- swan-neck deformity
- trigger finger
- mallet finger
Correct answer: boutonniere deformity
A boutonniere deformity is a specific finger deformity characterized by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint, flexion of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, and hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. This condition typically results from damage to the central slip of the extensor tendon at the PIP joint, causing the lateral bands to slip volarly and create the characteristic posture.
Question 2: What therapy approach is contraindicated for a patient with RSD of the upper extremity?
- Stress loading
- Paraffin
- Relaxation training
- Passive stretching (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Passive stretching
Passive stretching is contraindicated for patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), now known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), because it can exacerbate pain and sympathetic nervous system activity. This aggressive approach can worsen the patient's symptoms, leading to increased inflammation, pain, and dysfunction. Instead, gentle, active range of motion, stress loading, and pain management techniques are typically preferred to avoid aggravating the condition.
Question 3: Which side should the patient lead the transfer with when starting stand pivot training with a client who has hemiparesis?
- The patient can lead with either side
- The non-involved side (Correct answer)
- A person with hemiparesis cannot transfer using the stand pivot technique
- The involved side
Correct answer: The non-involved side
When performing a stand pivot transfer with a client who has hemiparesis, the patient should lead with their non-involved (stronger) side. This allows the patient to bear weight and initiate movement more effectively with their stronger limb, providing greater stability and control during the transfer. Leading with the non-involved side minimizes the risk of falls and maximizes the patient's independence and safety.
Question 4: A COTA is performing grooming chores with a client who has a right hemisphere lesion CVA. Only the right side of the client's teeth are seen to be brushed, and only the right side of his face is seen to be washed. Which kind of shortfall do these actions most likely point to?
- Apraxia
- Unilateral neglect (Correct answer)
- Homonymous hemianopsia
- Visual agnosia
Correct answer: Unilateral neglect
These actions, where the client only attends to the right side of their body during grooming tasks, are characteristic of unilateral neglect. This condition often results from a right hemisphere lesion CVA, causing the client to ignore or be unaware of the left side of their body or environment. Unlike homonymous hemianopsia (visual field loss), the client can physically see the left side but fails to attend to it.
Question 5: What is anticipated to happen to the blood pressure while a client is exercising?
- Blood pressure is unchanged by exercise
- Systolic will go up, diastolic will go down
- Systolic will go up and diastolic will stay the same (Correct answer)
- Both systolic and diastolic will increase
Correct answer: Systolic will go up and diastolic will stay the same
During dynamic exercise, it is anticipated that systolic blood pressure (SBP) will increase due to the heart's increased cardiac output to meet the body's metabolic demands. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) typically remains the same or may even slightly decrease. This is because vasodilation occurs in the working muscles, which helps to reduce peripheral resistance and maintain DBP stability.
Question 6: The elbow should be in the following positions when measuring elbow flexion:
- the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (Correct answer)
- the radial tuberosity
- the head of the radius
- the medial epicondyle of the humerus
Correct answer: the lateral epicondyle of the humerus
When measuring elbow flexion using a goniometer, the fulcrum should be placed at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. This anatomical landmark serves as the consistent axis of rotation for the elbow joint. The stationary arm of the goniometer is aligned with the humerus, and the moving arm is aligned with the radius, ensuring an accurate measurement of the joint's range of motion.
Question 7: Which of the following doesn't fit under the category of energy conservation?
- Sit versus standing for bathing and dressing tasks
- Plan ahead before activities
- Take frequent rest breaks
- Do as much as you can until you have to rest (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Do as much as you can until you have to rest
The statement 'Do as much as you can until you have to rest' does not fit under the category of energy conservation. Energy conservation principles advocate for pacing activities, planning ahead, and taking frequent, proactive rest breaks *before* becoming exhausted. Pushing oneself to the point of needing rest often leads to increased fatigue and can hinder overall activity participation and recovery.
A finger deformity that has the MPs extended, the PIP joint flexed, and the DIP joint extended is referred as: