Occupational Therapist Evaluation Flashcards

A thumb's ulnar collateral ligament tear is being evaluated by an occupational therapist. Which of the following is a different way to describe this condition?

Answer: Gamekeeper's thumb

A tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is commonly referred to as 'Gamekeeper's thumb' or 'Skier's thumb.' This injury typically results from a forceful abduction and hyperextension of the thumb, often sustained during falls or sports activities.

A twelve-month-old is being evaluated by a therapist in a clinical setting. Which of the following landmarks is not likely to have materialized?

Answer: Controls walking by starting and stopping with intention

By 12 months, a baby typically develops fine motor skills like a pincer grasp and intentional release, and gross motor skills such as moving from seated to prone. While some babies may begin walking around this age, controlling walking by starting and stopping with intention is a more advanced balance and coordination skill that usually emerges later, often closer to 15-18 months.

An occupational therapy examination is requested for a patient with a full T5 spinal cord damage. What about this client needs to be evaluated the most?

Answer: Seated balance

A complete T5 spinal cord injury results in paralysis and sensory loss below the T5 level, meaning the client will lack trunk control. Therefore, evaluating seated balance is paramount, as it directly impacts their ability to perform all upper extremity activities, transfers, and wheelchair mobility safely and independently. Without stable seated balance, other functional tasks become significantly more challenging.

A young adult patient in a mental health rehab facility has rejected to take part in group and one-on-one activities. Which evaluation ought the occupational therapist to choose in order to establish a baseline for the client's roles and use the information to produce goals that are motivating?

Answer: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a client-centered assessment that helps individuals identify and prioritize their occupational performance issues. It is ideal for establishing a baseline of roles and creating motivating, client-driven goals, especially for a client who is reluctant to engage, as it focuses on what is meaningful to them.

A five-month-old who was born at 34 weeks gestation and spent three weeks in the NICU is evaluated by an occupational therapist. The baby is positioned vertically under the shoulders of the therapist. When she tilts the baby to the front, side, and back, the baby holds his head upright. Which healthy reaction is the baby showing?

Answer: Labyrinthine

The Labyrinthine righting reflex (head righting reflex) is responsible for orienting the head in space in response to changes in body position, helping to maintain an upright posture. When the therapist tilts the baby and the baby holds his head upright, this demonstrates a healthy labyrinthine reflex, which is crucial for developing head control.

In a mental health placement, a supervisor requests her level II fieldwork student to use the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) Model to frame a client case. Which type of intervention best fits this model?

Answer: Modify the social environment by limiting the size of groups

The Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) Model emphasizes the dynamic relationship between the person, the task, and the context (environment). Interventions within this model often focus on modifying or adapting the context to enhance performance. Limiting the size of groups is a direct example of modifying the social environment to better support a client's participation.

An individual who works in a call center is assessed by an occupational therapist who practices in an outpatient clinic. After repeatedly reaching for her desktop phone throughout the day, the patient complains of tingling and numbness in her right forearm and hand. Which test ought to be conducted by the occupational therapist?

Answer: Tinel's sign at the wrist

Tingling and numbness in the forearm and hand, especially after repetitive movements, are classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which involves compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Tinel's sign at the wrist involves tapping over the median nerve at the carpal tunnel to elicit these symptoms, making it the most appropriate test for suspected CTS.