OTA Adaptive Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with hemiplegia needs to button shirts independently. Which adaptive device is MOST appropriate?
- Button hook (Correct answer)
- Universal cuff
- Rocker knife
- Dycem mat
Correct answer: Button hook
A button hook allows one-handed dressing by pulling buttons through buttonholes without requiring bilateral hand use.
Question 2: Which type of plate guard is recommended for a client with limited upper extremity strength who tends to push food off the plate?
- Scoop dish
- Plate guard clipped to a standard plate (Correct answer)
- Weighted utensils
- Non-slip placemat
Correct answer: Plate guard clipped to a standard plate
A plate guard attaches to the rim of a standard plate and provides a surface to push food against for loading utensils.
Question 3: A client with severe arthritis has difficulty gripping a standard pen. The OTA should recommend which adaptation FIRST?
- Wrist splint
- Built-up pen grip (Correct answer)
- Weighted pen
- Pen holder mounted to table
Correct answer: Built-up pen grip
A built-up grip increases the pen's diameter, reducing the pinch force required and decreasing joint stress.
Question 4: Which grab bar placement is standard for assisting a client with sit-to-stand transfers in the bathroom?
- Horizontal bar at shoulder height
- Angled or horizontal bar at seat height beside the toilet (Correct answer)
- Vertical bar on the wall opposite the toilet
- Horizontal bar above the toilet tank
Correct answer: Angled or horizontal bar at seat height beside the toilet
A grab bar positioned beside the toilet at approximately seat height provides optimal leverage for sit-to-stand transfers.
Question 5: A client recovering from a total hip replacement (posterior precautions) needs which adaptive equipment for lower-body dressing?
- Elastic shoelaces only
- Long-handled shoe horn, sock aid, and reacher (Correct answer)
- Hip abduction pillow and reacher
- Built-up shoe inserts
Correct answer: Long-handled shoe horn, sock aid, and reacher
A long-handled shoe horn, sock aid, and reacher allow the client to dress without bending beyond 90° hip flexion.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a universal cuff used in occupational therapy?
- To support the wrist during writing
- To hold utensils or tools for clients lacking grip (Correct answer)
- To stabilize the forearm during transfers
- To reduce spasticity in the hand
Correct answer: To hold utensils or tools for clients lacking grip
A universal cuff is a pocket that straps to the palm, allowing clients with minimal hand function to hold utensils or tools.
Question 7: A client with low vision is having difficulty locating food on a white plate. The BEST adaptive strategy is to:
- Provide a weighted spoon
- Use a high-contrast colored plate (Correct answer)
- Recommend a plate guard
- Instruct the client to use a clock face system
Correct answer: Use a high-contrast colored plate
High-contrast colored plates make food items more visible by increasing the contrast between the plate and the food.
OTA Adaptive Equipment 2
A client with hemiplegia needs to button shirts independently.
Which adaptive device is MOST appropriate?