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Pediatric OT Flashcards

7 cards from real OTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pediatric OT flashcards as text

  1. A 3-year-old is unable to build a tower of more than 4 blocks. According to typical developmental milestones, how many blocks should a child this age stack?

    Answer: 9–10 blocks

    By age 3, children typically build towers of 9–10 blocks; building fewer than this may indicate a fine motor or cognitive developmental delay.

  2. An OTA working with a child with cerebral palsy notices the child's head consistently tilts to one side. This is MOST likely due to:

    Answer: Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) retention

    Persistent ATNR beyond 6 months causes head turning and limb extension patterns that can lead to asymmetrical head positioning in children with cerebral palsy.

  3. When positioning a child with hypotonia for tabletop activities, which seating consideration is MOST important?

    Answer: Ensure hips, knees, and ankles are at 90° with feet supported

    The 90-90-90 position (hips, knees, ankles at 90°) with feet supported provides optimal postural stability for children with hypotonia during tabletop tasks.

  4. Which play stage involves a child playing alongside peers without interacting, characteristic of ages 2–3?

    Answer: Parallel play

    Parallel play, typical of ages 2–3, involves children playing near each other with similar materials but without direct interaction or shared goals.

  5. A parent reports their 18-month-old is not yet pointing to objects to show interest. This is a red flag for:

    Answer: Autism spectrum disorder and warrants further evaluation

    Protodeclarative pointing (to share interest) should emerge by 12 months; absence at 18 months is a significant early red flag for ASD requiring evaluation.

  6. An OTA uses a weighted vest with a child who has sensory modulation disorder. How long should the vest typically be worn per session according to sensory integration guidelines?

    Answer: 20–30 minutes with breaks, not to exceed 2 hours total daily

    Weighted vests are typically used for 20–30 minute intervals with breaks, as the nervous system habituates to sustained deep pressure, reducing effectiveness over time.

  7. Which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in pediatric OT?

    Answer: Promote use of the affected upper extremity by restraining the unaffected hand

    CIMT restrains the unaffected limb to force use of the affected extremity, promoting neuroplastic reorganization and improved function in children with hemiplegia.