Mixed Deck — All CO Topics Flashcards

When using a prism bar to measure a horizontal deviation, the prism base direction should be oriented in which direction to neutralize an esotropia?

Answer: Base-out

Base-out prisms neutralize esotropia by shifting the image toward the deviated eye, allowing the cover-uncover test to show neutralization.

An orthotist's certification lapses, but they continue to practice and bill using their expired credentials. This constitutes:

Answer: Fraud and misrepresentation of credentials

Practicing with lapsed credentials and misrepresenting certification status is fraudulent and a serious ethical and legal violation.

When performing a cover-uncover test on a child, a refixation movement of the uncovered eye indicates which condition?

Answer: Heterotropia (manifest deviation)

If the uncovered eye moves to take up fixation when the other eye is covered, a manifest tropia (heterotropia) is present in that eye.

The AAPOS guidelines recommend that vision screening in children should begin at which age?

Answer: 3 years

AAPOS and AAP guidelines recommend that all children have a vision screening at age 3 years, when cooperation allows photo-screening or acuity testing.

The Bagolini striated lens test is used to evaluate which aspect of binocular vision?

Answer: Retinal correspondence and suppression

Bagolini striated lenses test retinal correspondence and suppression under near-natural viewing conditions by creating streak images from a point source.

When is it ethically permissible to share a patient's protected health information with their employer?

Answer: When the patient provides specific written authorization for that disclosure

PHI can only be disclosed to employers when the patient has specifically authorized that release in writing.

An orthotist is asked to provide a written testimonial for a legal case involving a patient they currently treat. The most significant ethical concern is:

Answer: Potential conflict of interest between advocacy and objective clinical testimony

Serving as an advocate for a current patient in legal proceedings can compromise the objectivity required of expert witnesses.

Which of the following is a symptom of poor binocular vision?

Answer: Headache during reading

Poor binocular vision, such as from convergence insufficiency or uncorrected phorias, often causes symptoms related to eye strain and the effort to maintain single vision. Headaches, especially during prolonged near tasks like reading, are a classic symptom as the eyes struggle to work together efficiently. Other options like eye twitching or blurry peripheral vision are not typically primary symptoms of poor binocular vision.

What does residual risk mean in CO practice?

Answer: Risk remaining after all controls are implemented

Residual risk is the level remaining after practical controls are applied. Some is usually accepted as eliminating all risk is rarely feasible.

Occlusion therapy (patching) for amblyopia in a child is MOST effective when applied to which eye?

Answer: The fellow (non-amblyopic) eye

Patching the fellow (better-seeing) eye forces use of the amblyopic eye, stimulating visual cortex development and improving acuity in that eye.

The Frisby stereotest differs from polarized or anaglyphic stereotests because it:

Answer: Uses real depth without any glasses

The Frisby test presents real physical depth differences using transparent plates of different thicknesses, requiring no special glasses.

What is a near-miss report in CO practice?

Answer: Documentation of an event that could have caused harm but did not

Near-miss reports document events where harm almost occurred, providing data to prevent future incidents.

What is optic neuritis commonly associated with?

Answer: Multiple sclerosis

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, often causing sudden, painful vision loss and reduced color vision. It is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), as it is frequently the initial symptom or a recurrent manifestation of demyelination in the central nervous system characteristic of MS.

What is evidence-based practice in CO Pharmacology & Medication Management?

Answer: Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs

Evidence-based practice combines research, expertise, and client preferences for optimal outcomes.

What is the importance of continuing education for CO professionals in Pharmacology & Medication Management?

Answer: Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes

Continuing education keeps professionals current with developments and best practices while meeting certification requirements.

A synoptophore (amblyoscope) is BEST used to assess which of the following?

Answer: Binocular vision and fusion

The synoptophore is a major amblyoscope used to assess, measure, and treat binocular vision disorders including fusion and stereopsis.

What is a needs assessment in CO Pharmacology & Medication Management practice?

Answer: Identifying gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes

A needs assessment identifies gaps between current performance and desired outcomes to justify improvements.

What tool is typically used to assess near visual acuity in a clinical setting?

Answer: Jaeger chart

The Jaeger chart is a common tool used to measure near visual acuity, typically held at a standard reading distance (e.g., 14 inches). It consists of paragraphs of text or numbers in various print sizes, allowing for assessment of a patient's ability to see fine details up close, which is crucial for tasks like reading.

What is suppression in binocular vision assessment?

Answer: Brain ignores input from one eye

Suppression in binocular vision refers to the brain's active mechanism of ignoring or 'turning off' the visual input from one eye. This occurs to avoid diplopia (double vision) when the eyes are misaligned (strabismus) or when there is a significant difference in image quality between the two eyes. While it prevents double vision, prolonged suppression can lead to amblyopia.

An orthotist learns during a fitting that a patient is experiencing domestic abuse. The MOST appropriate action is to:

Answer: Provide information about resources and follow mandatory reporting laws where applicable

Practitioners have an ethical duty to connect patients with resources and comply with mandatory reporting laws while maintaining a supportive approach.