Geriatric OT Flashcards
7 cards from real OTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Geriatric OT flashcards as text
A client with age-related macular degeneration wants to continue reading. Which low-vision strategy should the OTA recommend?
Answer: Teach eccentric viewing using peripheral vision
Eccentric viewing trains clients to use their intact peripheral retina when central vision is lost due to macular degeneration.
Which precaution is MOST important when providing therapeutic exercise to an older adult with osteoporosis?
Answer: Avoid high-impact activities and end-range spinal flexion
High-impact loading and extreme spinal flexion increase vertebral fracture risk in osteoporosis; weight-bearing activities are actually beneficial.
During a home visit, an OTA observes an older adult with multiple bruises in various healing stages and poor hygiene inconsistent with the client's history. The OTA should:
Answer: Document findings and report suspected elder abuse to the supervising OT and appropriate authority
OTAs are mandated reporters and must document and report suspected elder abuse to the supervising OT and relevant authorities promptly.
A 78-year-old client complains of fatigue during morning self-care. To apply energy conservation principles, the OTA should teach the client to:
Answer: Perform high-effort tasks after a period of rest
Scheduling high-effort tasks after rest periods maximizes available energy and is a core energy conservation strategy.
Which type of transfer is SAFEST for an elderly client who has right-sided weakness and is moving from bed to wheelchair?
Answer: Position the wheelchair on the client's left (stronger) side
Positioning the wheelchair to the client's stronger side allows the stronger limbs to lead the transfer, improving safety.
An OTA is providing dysphagia intervention for an older adult with thickened liquids ordered. The client refuses thickened beverages. The FIRST action is to:
Answer: Document the refusal and notify the supervising OT
The OTA must document the refusal and inform the supervising OT, who will coordinate with the team regarding risk and informed consent.
The term 'sundowning' in geriatric OT practice refers to:
Answer: Increased confusion and agitation in dementia clients during late afternoon or evening
Sundowning describes increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral disturbances in dementia patients that typically worsen in the late afternoon and evening.