OTA Treatment Planning 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An OTA is treating a client with a spinal cord injury (C6 complete). Which ADL goal is MOST realistic for this level of injury?
- Independent feeding using adaptive equipment (Correct answer)
- Independent ambulation with a walker
- Independent fine motor manipulation without aids
- Independent transfer without any equipment
Correct answer: Independent feeding using adaptive equipment
Clients with C6 SCI typically retain wrist extension and can feed themselves independently using adaptive equipment such as universal cuffs.
Question 2: Which of the following BEST describes the OTA's role in the treatment planning process?
- Implementing the plan developed by the OT and contributing observations to plan modifications (Correct answer)
- Independently developing and modifying the treatment plan
- Approving all treatment plan changes before OT review
- Documenting goals without contributing clinical observations
Correct answer: Implementing the plan developed by the OT and contributing observations to plan modifications
OTAs implement OT-developed plans and provide observations that inform the OT's decisions about plan modifications.
Question 3: A client with a traumatic brain injury demonstrates impulsivity during ADLs. Which treatment planning strategy addresses this safety concern?
- Incorporating structured cuing systems and environmental modifications to slow task initiation (Correct answer)
- Removing all structured support to encourage independent problem-solving
- Practicing only seated low-risk activities indefinitely
- Referring immediately to behavioral psychology before any OT intervention
Correct answer: Incorporating structured cuing systems and environmental modifications to slow task initiation
Structured cuing systems and environmental modifications reduce impulsivity-related safety risks during ADL performance.
Question 4: When treating a client with low vision, which modification should be prioritized in the treatment plan to improve ADL safety?
- Improving contrast in the environment and adding task lighting (Correct answer)
- Restricting the client to one room to minimize navigation hazards
- Eliminating all self-care independence to prevent injury
- Referring to surgery before initiating OT
Correct answer: Improving contrast in the environment and adding task lighting
Increasing environmental contrast and task lighting are evidence-based compensatory strategies for clients with low vision.
Question 5: A client with diabetes is referred to OT for lower extremity care training. Which topic is MOST critical to include in the treatment plan?
- Daily foot inspection and proper nail and skin care technique (Correct answer)
- Strengthening exercises for lower extremity muscles only
- Electrical stimulation to improve peripheral sensation
- Orthotics prescription management
Correct answer: Daily foot inspection and proper nail and skin care technique
Clients with diabetes are at risk for neuropathy and wounds; daily foot inspection is a critical prevention strategy within OT's scope.
Question 6: Which principle guides activity grading in an OTA's treatment plan?
- Systematically increasing or decreasing task demands to match the client's progress (Correct answer)
- Keeping all tasks at the same difficulty level throughout treatment
- Always starting with the most complex tasks to motivate the client
- Basing task difficulty solely on the client's expressed preference
Correct answer: Systematically increasing or decreasing task demands to match the client's progress
Activity grading involves systematically adjusting task complexity to challenge the client appropriately as skills improve or decline.
Question 7: An OTA working in a skilled nursing facility is developing a treatment plan for a resident with dysphagia. Which component falls within OT's scope of practice?
- Adaptive positioning and adaptive feeding equipment recommendations during meals (Correct answer)
- Prescribing thickening agents and dietary texture levels independently
- Performing modified barium swallow studies independently
- Initiating nasogastric tube feedings
Correct answer: Adaptive positioning and adaptive feeding equipment recommendations during meals
OTAs address dysphagia through adaptive positioning and equipment to optimize safe swallowing during meals, in collaboration with the SLP.
OTA Treatment Planning 4
An OTA is treating a client with a spinal cord injury (C6 complete).
Which ADL goal is MOST realistic for this level of injury?