Occupational Therapy Assistant Flashcards

Which of the following could help triceps that are considered to be Poor minus?

Answer: Wearing an arm skate to perform flexion and extension while seated at a table or lying supine on a mat table

A 'Poor minus' muscle grade indicates that the triceps can complete less than half of its range of motion in a gravity-eliminated plane. An arm skate significantly reduces friction and eliminates the effect of gravity, making it easier for weakened muscles to move the limb. This allows the patient to perform elbow extension exercises with minimal resistance, facilitating muscle activation and strength building before progressing to more challenging activities against gravity.

A hemiplegic patient should be supported as follows when lying supine in a bed:

Answer: A pillow should be placed under the affected shoulder and under the affected hip

For a hemiplegic patient lying supine, proper positioning of the affected side is crucial to prevent common complications like contractures and shoulder subluxation. Placing a pillow under the affected shoulder helps to maintain slight protraction and prevent retraction, while a pillow under the affected hip prevents external rotation. This positioning promotes comfort, maintains joint integrity, and helps manage spasticity.

When measuring wrist extension, where should the goniometer's axis be located?

Answer: The styloid process of the radius

When measuring wrist extension with a goniometer, the axis (fulcrum) should be placed over the lateral aspect of the wrist, specifically aligning with the styloid process of the radius. This anatomical landmark serves as a consistent pivot point for accurate measurement of the joint's range of motion. The stationary arm aligns with the lateral midline of the forearm, and the moving arm aligns with the lateral midline of the hand.

Which exercise is best for a patient who has recovered from a myocardial infarction three weeks ago?

Answer: Walking for 20 minutes on a treadmill

Three weeks post-myocardial infarction, a patient is in the early stages of cardiac rehabilitation and requires carefully monitored, low-to-moderate intensity aerobic activity. Walking for 20 minutes on a treadmill provides a controlled and safe way to improve cardiovascular endurance without excessive strain. Activities like shoveling snow, climbing stadium stairs, or using a sauna are too strenuous or pose risks due to uncontrolled intensity, sudden exertion, or extreme temperatures for a recovering heart.

Which sensory system will receive more input if a client is placed on a platform swing during a ball activity?

Answer: Vestibular

A platform swing provides significant movement and changes in head position, which directly stimulates the vestibular system. This sensory system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for processing information about head movement, gravity, and spatial orientation, playing a key role in balance and coordination. Engaging in activities on a swing enhances vestibular input, which is often used therapeutically to help clients regulate their responses to movement.

When working with a client who has decreased seated balance, which of the following modifications to an activity will raise the balance challenge?

Answer: Incorporating reach into the activity

Incorporating reach into an activity requires the client to shift their center of gravity and engage their core muscles to maintain balance. This dynamic movement challenges their postural control and stability, thereby increasing the difficulty and therapeutic benefit for improving seated balance. It forces the client to actively adjust their body position to prevent a fall, directly targeting balance skills.

She complains of pain in her left lower extremities while receiving care from a client who is two weeks post-CVA. When you touch her left leg, she cries out in pain, and when you passively flex her foot, she complains of pain. Additionally, the extremity's edema is visible. What ought to be done?

Answer: Report the findings to a nurse or physician

The client's symptoms of pain, increased pain with passive movement, and visible edema in the left lower extremity post-CVA are highly indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical evaluation and intervention to prevent potentially life-threatening complications like a pulmonary embolism. As an OTA, recognizing these signs and promptly reporting them to a nurse or physician is a critical safety measure.