Occupational Therapist Test Occupational Therapist Test Hand Therapy and Upper Extremity 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The intrinsic plus (safe position) for hand splinting includes which joint positions to prevent collateral ligament contractures?
- MCP extension, IP flexion
- MCP flexion 70-90°, IP full extension, thumb abduction (Correct answer)
- Full composite fist position
- Wrist flexion with finger extension
Correct answer: MCP flexion 70-90°, IP full extension, thumb abduction
The intrinsic plus position (MCPs 70-90° flexion, IPs fully extended, thumb abducted) keeps collateral ligaments at maximum length, preventing shortening during immobilization.
Question 2: Allen's Test is performed in hand therapy to assess:
- Ulnar nerve motor integrity
- Patency of the radial and ulnar arteries supplying the hand (Correct answer)
- Median nerve compression at the wrist
- Grip strength symmetry
Correct answer: Patency of the radial and ulnar arteries supplying the hand
Allen's Test evaluates vascular patency by occluding both arteries simultaneously, then releasing each individually to observe palmar blood return.
Question 3: A client presents with inability to actively extend the DIP joint after the fingertip was struck by a ball. This presentation is most consistent with:
- Boutonniere deformity
- Mallet finger (Correct answer)
- Swan neck deformity
- Trigger finger
Correct answer: Mallet finger
Mallet finger results from disruption of the terminal extensor tendon at or near the DIP joint, preventing active DIP extension.
Question 4: Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of which nerve?
- Ulnar nerve
- Radial nerve
- Median nerve (Correct answer)
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Median nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, producing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial ring finger.
Question 5: Which combination of interventions is most effective for managing acute hand and wrist edema in OT?
- Resistive exercise and active ROM only
- Retrograde massage, limb elevation, and compressive wrapping (Correct answer)
- Ultrasound and electrical stimulation alone
- Continuous passive motion device
Correct answer: Retrograde massage, limb elevation, and compressive wrapping
Retrograde massage (distal to proximal), elevation above heart level, and compressive wrapping work together to mechanically move fluid out of the hand.
Question 6: The Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test is used in hand therapy to assess:
- Static two-point discrimination
- Cutaneous pressure threshold (light touch sensitivity) (Correct answer)
- Proprioception and joint position sense
- Motor nerve conduction velocity
Correct answer: Cutaneous pressure threshold (light touch sensitivity)
The Semmes-Weinstein test uses calibrated nylon monofilaments of increasing diameter to determine the threshold at which cutaneous pressure can be detected.
Occupational Therapist Test Occupational Therapist Test Hand Therapy and Upper Extremity 1
The intrinsic plus (safe position) for hand splinting includes which joint positions to prevent collateral ligament contractures?