Ultimate Occupational Therapy Assistant 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 Ultimate Occupational Therapy Assistant flashcards as text
Which type of muscle contraction occurs when the OTA instructs a client to slowly lower a cup from a shelf to the table?
Answer: Eccentric contraction
Eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens under load, as the elbow flexors do when slowly lowering an object against gravity.
An OTA is treating a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder in an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which group activity BEST supports this client's occupational engagement?
Answer: A structured task group making holiday cards for community donation
A structured task group provides meaningful, achievable activity with social connection and a sense of purpose — all therapeutic for major depressive disorder.
What is the primary purpose of using a universal cuff (utensil holder) for a client with C6 spinal cord injury?
Answer: To substitute for absent or weak hand grasp during self-feeding
A universal cuff is an adaptive device that secures a utensil to the hand when a client lacks sufficient grip strength, enabling independent self-feeding.
Which precaution is MOST critical for an OTA to follow when treating a client who had a total hip replacement using the posterior approach?
Answer: Prevent hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, internal rotation, and adduction
Posterior approach total hip replacement requires avoiding hip flexion past 90°, internal rotation, and adduction to prevent dislocation during early recovery.
An OTA working in a school setting notices a student has difficulty with pencil grasp and letter formation. According to IDEA, under which category would OT services MOST likely be provided?
Answer: Individualized Education Program (IEP)
OT services provided to students with disabilities in public schools are governed by IDEA and documented within the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
A client with COPD is learning diaphragmatic breathing during ADLs. The OTA instructs the client to exhale during which part of the activity?
Answer: During the effort or exertion phase of the task
Clients with COPD should exhale during the exertion phase of an activity to avoid Valsalva maneuver and reduce dyspnea during effort.
Which standardized assessment uses direct observation of a child's performance in natural contexts to evaluate sensory processing?
Answer: Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT)
The SIPT uses standardized, directly administered subtests to measure sensory integration and praxis in children ages 4–8 years 11 months.