AOTA Infection Control & Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When working with a child who has an active skin infection on the upper extremities, which adaptation to sensory integration therapy is most appropriate?
- Avoid all tactile activities until fully healed
- Cover the affected area with a waterproof barrier and proceed with non-contact sensory activities (Correct answer)
- Use gloves and continue all planned sensory activities as scheduled
- Postpone therapy until physician clearance is obtained
Correct answer: Cover the affected area with a waterproof barrier and proceed with non-contact sensory activities
Covering the affected area and redirecting to non-contact sensory activities protects both client and therapist while still providing therapeutic benefit.
Question 2: Which disinfectant concentration of isopropyl alcohol is most effective for surface disinfection of therapy equipment?
- 50%
- 60–70% (Correct answer)
- 90–95%
- 100%
Correct answer: 60–70%
60–70% isopropyl alcohol is optimal because the water component enhances protein denaturation in pathogens; higher concentrations evaporate too quickly to be effective.
Question 3: An occupational therapist is setting up a sensory gym for immunocompromised pediatric clients. Which air quality measure is MOST important?
- Installing HEPA filtration systems (Correct answer)
- Using essential oil diffusers with antimicrobial properties
- Increasing ventilation fan speed only
- Keeping windows closed to prevent outdoor pathogen entry
Correct answer: Installing HEPA filtration systems
HEPA filtration captures airborne particles including pathogens and is the evidence-based standard for protecting immunocompromised individuals.
Question 4: A parent reports their child had a fever of 101°F this morning but it resolved. The child is scheduled for sensory integration therapy in two hours. What is the therapist's best course of action?
- Proceed with therapy since the fever resolved
- Contact the supervising physician for clearance before proceeding
- Reschedule and advise the parent of the 24-hour fever-free policy (Correct answer)
- Conduct therapy via telehealth instead
Correct answer: Reschedule and advise the parent of the 24-hour fever-free policy
Standard infection control practice requires clients to be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to in-person therapy.
Question 5: Which type of PPE is specifically indicated when performing oral-motor or feeding interventions as part of sensory integration therapy?
- N95 respirator only
- Gloves and a surgical mask (Correct answer)
- Face shield alone
- Gown and gloves only
Correct answer: Gloves and a surgical mask
Gloves and a surgical mask protect against exposure to saliva and oral secretions during oral-motor interventions involving close facial proximity.
Question 6: In a sensory integration clinic, which piece of equipment presents the greatest challenge for adequate disinfection due to porous material?
- Stainless steel swing frame
- Foam-covered bolster (Correct answer)
- Plastic balance board
- Vinyl therapy mat
Correct answer: Foam-covered bolster
Foam is porous and cannot be adequately disinfected with standard surface disinfectants, making it a high-risk reservoir for pathogens.
Question 7: A therapist notices a colleague does not wash hands between clients but uses hand sanitizer. When is hand sanitizer alone considered insufficient?
- After handling sensory bins with kinetic sand
- When hands are visibly soiled or after contact with C. difficile spores (Correct answer)
- Between clients who have no known infections
- After removing nitrile gloves
Correct answer: When hands are visibly soiled or after contact with C. difficile spores
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is ineffective against C. difficile spores and when hands are visibly contaminated; soap and water are required in these situations.
AOTA Infection Control & Prevention 2
When working with a child who has an active skin infection on the upper extremities, which adaptation to sensory integration therapy is most appropriate?