AOTA Emergency Procedures & Response 2

Question 1

A child with tactile defensiveness begins self-injurious biting during a sensory integration session. What is the FIRST priority action?

Accepted Answer

Ensure physical safety by moving harmful objects and guiding the child away from self-injury

Answer

Physical safety is always the first priority; the OT must prevent harm before implementing any therapeutic intervention.

Question 2

During a sensory gym session, suspended equipment breaks and a child falls to the mat. After ensuring the child is physically safe, what is the next required action?

Accepted Answer

Complete an incident report and notify the supervisor/guardian

Answer

Following any equipment failure or fall, an incident report must be filed and appropriate parties notified regardless of apparent injury.

Question 3

An OT practicing sensory integration notices a child exhibits sudden unresponsiveness and rhythmic eye twitching mid-session. What should the therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Recognize possible seizure activity, keep the child safe, time the episode, and call for emergency help

Answer

Sudden unresponsiveness with rhythmic movements indicates possible seizure; the therapist must protect the child, time the episode, and summon emergency assistance—never put anything in the mouth.

Question 4

A fire alarm activates while a child with autism is engaged in a sensory-rich activity. The child becomes dysregulated and refuses to move. What is the appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Calmly but firmly guide or carry the child to the emergency exit following the evacuation plan

Answer

Life safety supersedes behavioral management; the child must be evacuated immediately using the least restrictive physical assistance necessary.

Question 5

When developing an emergency response plan for a client with severe sensory processing disorder, which element is MOST critical to include?

Accepted Answer

Client-specific sensory triggers and individualized de-escalation strategies for first responders

Answer

Sharing individualized sensory trigger information with first responders enables safer and more effective emergency management for clients with SPD.

(AOTA) AOTA Sensory Integration Certification Practice Test

(AOTA) AOTA Sensory Integration Certification Practice Test

AOTA Emergency Procedures & Response 2