Assistive Technology & Adaptive Devices Flashcards

A manual wheelchair user with paraplegia develops shoulder pain after years of propulsion. Which wheelchair modification has the strongest evidence for reducing shoulder joint stress during propulsion?

Answer: Positioning the rear axle forward and at appropriate height for the user

Positioning the rear axle forward (under the shoulder) and at optimal height reduces propulsion strokes needed per distance and decreases shoulder impingement risk — supported by strong clinical evidence.

Which low vision assistive technology is classified as a head-mounted electronic magnification device that displays a camera-captured image on screens positioned in front of the user's eyes?

Answer: Video magnifier glasses/head-mounted display

Head-mounted video magnifiers use a built-in camera to capture and display magnified images directly in front of the eyes, providing hands-free electronic magnification.

A client with Duchenne muscular dystrophy requires nighttime respiratory support. Which assistive technology is typically indicated for nocturnal hypoventilation management in this population?

Answer: Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation

BiPAP provides both inspiratory and expiratory pressure support, addressing the respiratory muscle weakness in DMD that causes nocturnal hypoventilation — unlike CPAP which provides only continuous positive pressure.

When completing a seating and mobility evaluation, which standardized assessment tool is specifically designed to measure functional reach capabilities related to wheelchair positioning?

Answer: Functional Reach Test (FRT)

The Functional Reach Test measures the maximal distance a person can reach forward beyond arm's length while maintaining a fixed base, providing data relevant to seated reach and stability assessment.

A CMC recommends a power wheelchair with power tilt-in-space for a client. Which clinical indication most strongly justifies this feature over standard seating?

Answer: The client requires regular pressure relief and has insufficient upper extremity strength for weight shifts

Power tilt-in-space is clinically indicated when a client cannot perform adequate independent pressure relief weight shifts and requires regular repositioning to prevent pressure injuries.

Which feature distinguishes a dynamic seating system from a standard rigid seating system in a wheelchair?

Answer: Dynamic seating components move in response to the user's body movements and then return to neutral

Dynamic seating incorporates components that yield and rebound in response to spasticity, extensor tone, or other forces, reducing injury risk and hardware stress.

A client with a traumatic brain injury has difficulty with memory and task sequencing. Which category of assistive technology most directly addresses these cognitive-functional deficits?

Answer: Cognitive prosthetics and prompting devices

Cognitive prosthetics and prompting devices provide step-by-step task cues, reminders, and memory aids that compensate for executive function and memory deficits following TBI.