Occupational Therapist Test Intervention Planning 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A therapist is selecting an intervention for a client with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Which approach has the STRONGEST evidence base?
- Sensory integration therapy focusing on vestibular input
- Task-specific practice of functional motor skills (Correct answer)
- Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) for tone normalization
- Passive stretching and joint mobilization
Correct answer: Task-specific practice of functional motor skills
Task-specific practice (e.g., CO-OP approach) has the strongest evidence for improving functional motor performance in children with DCD.
Question 2: A client with multiple sclerosis reports significant fatigue affecting afternoon work performance. The OT should FIRST address:
- Referral to a neurologist to adjust disease-modifying medications
- Energy conservation strategies and scheduling high-priority tasks in the morning (Correct answer)
- Strengthening exercises to build endurance
- Cognitive retraining to improve work efficiency
Correct answer: Energy conservation strategies and scheduling high-priority tasks in the morning
Energy conservation and strategic scheduling are first-line OT interventions for MS-related fatigue that directly impact occupational performance.
Question 3: When using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF), which of the following is classified as an 'occupation'?
- Muscle strength and range of motion
- Rest and sleep (Correct answer)
- Sensory processing and proprioception
- Cognitive skills and memory
Correct answer: Rest and sleep
In the OTPF, rest and sleep is classified as an occupation alongside ADLs, IADLs, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
Question 4: An OT is developing a social skills intervention program for adolescents with ASD. Which format is MOST appropriate?
- One-on-one sessions with the therapist only to avoid social pressure
- Structured group sessions with naturalistic practice opportunities (Correct answer)
- Parent-led home practice without therapist guidance
- Virtual reality only, avoiding in-person interaction
Correct answer: Structured group sessions with naturalistic practice opportunities
Structured group intervention with naturalistic practice opportunities provides the social context needed to develop and generalize social skills in adolescents with ASD.
Question 5: A client with a complete T4 spinal cord injury is learning pressure relief techniques. The MOST appropriate method to recommend is:
- Standing pivot transfers every two hours
- Weight-shifting by leaning side to side or forward in the wheelchair (Correct answer)
- Asking a caregiver to reposition the client every four hours
- Using a standard foam cushion without any pressure relief schedule
Correct answer: Weight-shifting by leaning side to side or forward in the wheelchair
Clients with T4 SCI can perform independent weight-shifting (lateral lean or forward lean) to relieve pressure every 15-30 minutes and prevent pressure injuries.
Question 6: When planning intervention for a client with dementia in a memory care setting, which approach BEST supports occupational engagement?
- Introducing complex new skills to stimulate neuroplasticity
- Simplifying familiar activities to match the client's current functional level (Correct answer)
- Restricting activity choices to prevent confusion and agitation
- Focusing exclusively on orientation to reality exercises
Correct answer: Simplifying familiar activities to match the client's current functional level
Simplifying familiar, meaningful activities to match the client's current abilities supports engagement, dignity, and quality of life in dementia care.
Question 7: An OT plans a home modification evaluation for a client with ALS. As the disease progresses, the intervention plan should PRIMARILY focus on:
- Restorative exercises to maintain all prior functional abilities
- Proactive modifications that anticipate future functional decline (Correct answer)
- Deferring modifications until the client can no longer perform any ADLs
- Training family members to complete all tasks on the client's behalf immediately
Correct answer: Proactive modifications that anticipate future functional decline
With ALS, proactive planning and staged modifications anticipate progressive decline to maximize independence and safety as long as possible.
Occupational Therapist Test Intervention Planning 5
A therapist is selecting an intervention for a client with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
Which approach has the STRONGEST evidence base?