CHT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the most effective method for preventing cross-contamination? → Proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment
2. The purpose of serial static casting or splinting in PIP flexion contracture is to: → Achieve incremental gains in extension through tissue creep
3. During pinch, the first dorsal interosseous muscle is responsible for: → Index finger radial abduction
4. What is the primary mechanism by which compression garments reduce hand edema? → Counteracting capillary filtration pressure to prevent fluid reaccumulation
5. Which carpal bone articulates directly with the radius at the radiocarpal joint along with the lunate? → Scaphoid
6. When applying a circumferential orthosis, the therapist should ensure that the orthosis does not compress the: → Superficial sensory nerves and bony prominences
7. What is a primary goal of outcome evaluation in hand therapy? → To measure treatment effectiveness and function.
8. Why is baseline measurement important in evaluation? → It allows comparison of progress over time.
9. Which modality is commonly used to reduce inflammation in acute hand injuries? → Cold therapy (cryotherapy)
10. When using volumetric water displacement for serial edema measurements, what environmental factor must remain consistent? → Water temperature
11. Which metric best reflects patient-centered evaluation? → Patient-reported outcomes
12. Which forearm rotation motion is primarily performed by the supinator muscle? → Supination with elbow extended
13. Which clinical sign most strongly suggests wound infection requiring medical referral? → Increasing warmth, spreading erythema, and purulent drainage
14. The intrinsic muscles of the hand are primarily responsible for which combined finger motion? → IP extension with MCP flexion
15. How frequently should ongoing assessments be conducted in Certified Hand Therapist practice? → At regular intervals based on established protocols and as conditions change
16. When documenting assessment findings in CHT practice, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Record objective findings, measurements, and professional observations factually
17. When conducting a risk assessment for CHT operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
18. Which pulley in the flexor tendon sheath is considered the most biomechanically critical for efficient finger flexion? → A2 pulley
19. Why are occupation-based activities important? → They restore functional daily tasks
20. How often should equipment be sterilized or disinfected? → Between each patient use according to manufacturer guidelines
21. Which document outlines a therapist's ethical obligations? → Code of ethics
22. In Certified Hand Therapist practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
23. Which approach is MOST important for CHT professionals when applying technical procedures? → Adhering to established protocols while adapting to specific conditions
24. In CHT practice, what happens when regulations are updated or changed? → Professionals must update their knowledge and practices to meet new requirements
25. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel alongside how many tendons? → 9
26. How does collaboration support clinical reasoning? → It builds consensus for decisions
27. What role does calibration play in maintaining technical accuracy for Certified Hand Therapist professionals? → It ensures instruments and methods produce accurate, consistent results over time
28. When assessing wound healing progress, which observation indicates the wound is in the proliferative phase? → Bright red, moist granulation tissue filling the wound bed
29. What is the MOST important factor to consider when selecting assessment tools for CHT certification work? → Validity, reliability, and appropriateness for the specific context
30. Why is patient education crucial in therapeutic interventions? → It enhances adherence and outcomes