CO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. At what age does visual acuity typically reach adult levels (approximately 20/20) in normally developing children? → 5–6 years
2. What is the first step in CO risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
3. Eccentric viewing training teaches patients with a central scotoma to: → Use an intact peripheral retinal area as the preferred retinal locus (PRL)
4. The AC/A ratio is calculated using the gradient method by comparing the deviation with and without: → A defined lens power (typically +3.00 or -3.00 D) in place
5. When a patient collapses and an AED is available, what step must occur immediately before delivering a shock? → Ensure no one is touching the patient
6. An adult patient with multiple sclerosis reports her orthosis fits well in the morning but becomes painful by afternoon. The most likely explanation is: → Limb volume fluctuation due to heat sensitivity and fatigue
7. When is it ethically permissible to share a patient's protected health information with their employer? → When the patient provides specific written authorization for that disclosure
8. A patient with cognitive impairment cannot provide informed consent. The orthotist should: → Obtain consent from the legally designated surrogate decision-maker
9. What role do standard operating procedures play in CO Patient Assessment & Evaluation? → Ensuring consistency and quality through documented instructions
10. The fovea centralis contains predominantly which type of photoreceptors? → Cones only
11. What is a risk matrix used for in CO practice? → Evaluating risks by plotting likelihood against impact severity
12. Which type of isolation precaution is required when treating a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis? → Airborne precautions
13. A patient with a healing tibial stress fracture needs continued ambulation for work. Which orthotic protocol is MOST appropriate? → Pneumatic walking boot (cam walker) to offload the fracture site
14. A patient on gabapentin for neuropathic pain reports dizziness and impaired balance. What is the MOST appropriate orthotic response? → Consider gait aids and fall-prevention orthotic strategies
15. An orthotist is treating a minor patient. Regarding documentation of informed consent, which statement is correct? → Consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian and documented in the record
16. The Krimsky test is used to measure: → Angle of deviation using prisms and the corneal light reflex
17. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of Horner’s syndrome? → Ptosis and miosis
18. A child consistently fails visual acuity screening in one eye despite having no refractive error or structural pathology. The next best step is: → Repeat cycloplegic refraction and cover test evaluation
19. When evaluating a pediatric patient with cerebral palsy, the Modified Ashworth Scale is used to assess: → Degree of muscle spasticity and resistance to passive stretch
20. What is the correct doffing sequence for PPE after leaving a contact precaution room? → Gloves → gown → eye protection → mask → hand hygiene
21. An orthotist is offered a significant gift by a vendor in exchange for exclusively prescribing their products. Accepting this gift would violate which standard? → Conflict of interest and professional independence
22. Which finding during pediatric vision screening warrants immediate ophthalmology referral? → White pupillary reflex (leukocoria)
23. What is the function of the swinging flashlight test? → Identify RAPD
24. Which situation represents a dual relationship that could compromise professional ethics? → Providing orthotic care to a close personal friend
25. The Lancaster red-green test is used primarily to: → Measure the size and direction of ocular deviations in different gaze positions
26. A keratometer (ophthalmometer) is used to measure which ocular parameter? → Corneal curvature/power
27. An orthotist notices a patient's custom foot orthosis has visible mold growth. What is the FIRST action to take? → Quarantine the device and assess it for disposal
28. Which pattern of optic disc appearance is expected in a patient with longstanding increased intracranial pressure? → Bilateral disc edema (papilledema)
29. The AC/A ratio is measured to evaluate the relationship between accommodation and convergence. A HIGH AC/A ratio is most characteristic of: → Convergence excess esotropia
30. Pupillary light-near dissociation (pupils react to near but not light) is classically seen in: → Argyll Robertson pupils from neurosyphilis