OTA Geriatric OT 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An OTA is implementing a reminiscence therapy group with older adults with mild dementia. The PRIMARY therapeutic goal is to:
- Improve short-term memory retention
- Enhance social participation and sense of identity (Correct answer)
- Teach new cognitive strategies
- Reduce medication side effects
Correct answer: Enhance social participation and sense of identity
Reminiscence therapy uses long-term memories to enhance social engagement, identity, and quality of life in people with dementia.
Question 2: Which seating modification BEST reduces the risk of posterior pelvic tilt (sacral sitting) in a frail elderly wheelchair user?
- Using a sling seat without cushion
- Adding a solid seat insert with appropriate cushioning (Correct answer)
- Elevating the leg rests to 90°
- Placing a rolled towel behind the knees
Correct answer: Adding a solid seat insert with appropriate cushioning
A solid seat insert provides a firm, level surface that prevents hammocking of a sling seat and supports proper pelvic positioning.
Question 3: A geriatric client is prescribed a wheeled walker (rollator). Which client behavior indicates a need for further gait training?
- Keeping the walker slightly ahead while walking
- Locking the brakes before sitting
- Leaning heavily on the walker with arms extended far forward (Correct answer)
- Using the basket to carry light items
Correct answer: Leaning heavily on the walker with arms extended far forward
Leaning heavily forward with arms extended shifts the center of mass anteriorly, increases fall risk, and indicates improper walker use requiring further training.
Question 4: When addressing IADLs with a cognitively impaired elder who lives alone, the OTA's MOST important safety concern is:
- Whether the client can operate a smartphone
- Whether the client can safely manage stove use and medication administration (Correct answer)
- Whether the client attends social events
- Whether the client can drive a car
Correct answer: Whether the client can safely manage stove use and medication administration
Stove use and medication management pose the greatest risks of injury or health crisis for cognitively impaired elders living independently.
Question 5: An OTA working in a skilled nursing facility should document progress in SOAP note format. In which section does the OTA record objective functional findings such as balance scores?
- S (Subjective)
- O (Objective) (Correct answer)
- A (Assessment)
- P (Plan)
Correct answer: O (Objective)
The Objective section contains measurable data and clinician observations, including standardized assessment scores.
Question 6: Which physiological change of normal aging MOST directly affects an older adult's ability to regulate body temperature during activity?
- Decreased bone density
- Reduced sweating efficiency and diminished thirst perception (Correct answer)
- Decreased muscle mass
- Reduced skin elasticity
Correct answer: Reduced sweating efficiency and diminished thirst perception
Aging reduces sweat gland function and blunts thirst perception, impairing thermoregulation and increasing risk of heat illness during exertion.
Question 7: An OTA is leading a fall prevention group at a senior center. Which activity BEST addresses intrinsic fall risk factors?
- Removing throw rugs from participants' homes
- Balance and strength exercises such as Tai Chi (Correct answer)
- Installing grab bars in bathrooms
- Improving lighting in hallways
Correct answer: Balance and strength exercises such as Tai Chi
Balance and strength training (e.g., Tai Chi) address intrinsic factors like muscle weakness and poor balance that increase fall risk.
OTA Geriatric OT 4
An OTA is implementing a reminiscence therapy group with older adults with mild dementia.
The PRIMARY therapeutic goal is to: