OTA Physical Rehabilitation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When teaching a patient with low back pain to perform a supine-to-sit transfer, the OTA should instruct the patient to:
- Sit straight up using trunk flexors
- Log roll to the side then push up to sitting (Correct answer)
- Reach overhead and pull on the bedrail
- Perform a quick sit-up to minimize spine flexion time
Correct answer: Log roll to the side then push up to sitting
Log rolling to the side before pushing up minimizes lumbar spine flexion and torsion, which is the safest technique for patients with low back pain.
Question 2: A patient with COPD is participating in upper extremity strengthening. When does oxygen desaturation MOST commonly occur for these patients?
- During lower extremity exercises only
- During unsupported arm elevation activities (Correct answer)
- During seated rest periods
- During passive range of motion activities
Correct answer: During unsupported arm elevation activities
Patients with COPD frequently experience oxygen desaturation during unsupported arm elevation because accessory respiratory muscles are recruited for arm movement rather than breathing.
Question 3: An OTA is performing passive ROM on a patient's elbow after removal of an external fixator. The OTA feels a springy end-feel at 30° of extension. This MOST likely indicates:
- Normal bone-to-bone end-feel
- Soft tissue approximation
- Muscle spasm
- Capsular tightness or presence of loose bodies (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Capsular tightness or presence of loose bodies
A springy end-feel (rebound sensation) in the elbow at a non-physiologic range suggests intra-articular loose bodies or early capsular restriction rather than a normal end-feel.
Question 4: Which adaptive equipment would BEST help a patient with C5 SCI independently feed themselves?
- Universal cuff with utensil slot (Correct answer)
- Rocker knife
- Built-up handle spoon only
- Plate guard only
Correct answer: Universal cuff with utensil slot
A universal cuff allows utensils to be secured to the hand for patients with C5 SCI who lack grip strength but retain shoulder and elbow function.
Question 5: An OTA is applying a resting hand splint to a patient with a median nerve injury. What is the CORRECT position for the wrist and fingers?
- Wrist in neutral, fingers in full extension, thumb abducted
- Wrist in 20–30° extension, fingers in slight flexion, thumb in palmar abduction (Correct answer)
- Wrist in 30° flexion, fingers in full flexion
- Wrist in full extension, MCP joints flexed to 90°
Correct answer: Wrist in 20–30° extension, fingers in slight flexion, thumb in palmar abduction
A resting hand splint positions the wrist in 20–30° extension, fingers in slight flexion at all joints, and the thumb in palmar abduction to maintain functional alignment and prevent deformity.
Question 6: During a home visit, the OTA observes that the patient's bathroom has a step-in tub. The patient has right hip precautions post-THR. What is the BEST recommendation?
- Recommend a tub transfer bench with a non-skid mat (Correct answer)
- Suggest the patient shower standing in the tub
- Recommend converting to a walk-in shower immediately
- Advise the patient to skip bathing until precautions are lifted
Correct answer: Recommend a tub transfer bench with a non-skid mat
A tub transfer bench allows the patient to sit and slide into the tub without high hip flexion or adduction, respecting posterior hip precautions post-THR.
Question 7: A patient with multiple sclerosis reports significant fatigue by mid-afternoon. Which energy conservation strategy is MOST appropriate for the OTA to teach?
- Perform all strenuous activities in the afternoon when the patient is adapted to fatigue
- Prioritize demanding tasks in the morning and schedule rest before activity (Correct answer)
- Eliminate all physical activity to preserve energy
- Increase caffeine intake to manage fatigue
Correct answer: Prioritize demanding tasks in the morning and schedule rest before activity
Energy conservation for MS includes completing high-priority or demanding tasks during peak energy periods (typically morning) and scheduling planned rest before activities to prevent fatigue accumulation.
OTA Physical Rehabilitation 4
When teaching a patient with low back pain to perform a supine-to-sit transfer, the OTA should instruct the patient to: