OT Assistive Technology & Adaptive Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which pressure-relieving wheelchair cushion type is MOST appropriate for a client at HIGH risk for pressure injuries?
- Air-filled alternating pressure cushion (Correct answer)
- Standard foam cushion
- Solid seat insert
- Gel-only cushion for comfort
Correct answer: Air-filled alternating pressure cushion
Air-filled alternating pressure cushions provide dynamic pressure redistribution, making them appropriate for high-risk individuals when foam or gel is insufficient.
Question 2: When writing a letter of medical necessity for a power wheelchair, the OT must document:
- Functional mobility limitations, failed trials of less-technology alternatives, and how the chair enables participation (Correct answer)
- The client's preference and cosmetic choice of chair
- Only physician diagnosis without functional justification
- Insurance cost comparison between models
Correct answer: Functional mobility limitations, failed trials of less-technology alternatives, and how the chair enables participation
Medicare and most insurers require documentation of functional need, failed alternatives, and how the device restores participation for AT coverage.
Question 3: A client with ALS who has lost hand function wants to continue using a smartphone. Which AT solution should OT explore FIRST?
- Voice control (Apple Siri or Google Assistant) with accessibility settings enabled (Correct answer)
- Custom 3D-printed finger splint for touchscreen use
- Eye-gaze tablet computer replacement
- Stylus mounted to head orthosis
Correct answer: Voice control (Apple Siri or Google Assistant) with accessibility settings enabled
Voice control is a built-in, low-cost first-line AT solution that leverages preserved speech in early-to-mid ALS to maintain smartphone access.
Question 4: The HAAT (Human Activity Assistive Technology) model considers which four components?
- Human, activity, assistive technology, and context (Correct answer)
- Hands, arms, adaptive tools, and therapist
- Health, assessment, application, and therapy
- Hard technology, aided AAC, audiology, and therapeutic supports
Correct answer: Human, activity, assistive technology, and context
The HAAT model's four components—Human, Activity, AT, and Context—guide holistic AT evaluation and selection.
Question 5: A client with low vision needs help with medication management. The MOST appropriate low-tech AT solution is:
- Large-print pill organizer with tactile labels (Correct answer)
- Standard pill bottle with pharmacist label
- Automated pill dispenser with alarm
- Caregiver-managed medication administration
Correct answer: Large-print pill organizer with tactile labels
A large-print organizer with tactile labels enables independent medication sorting without high cost or caregiver dependence.
Question 6: Environmental Control Units (ECUs) are MOST beneficial for clients with:
- Severe physical limitations who need to operate home appliances independently (Correct answer)
- Mild cognitive impairment affecting memory
- Low vision requiring auditory output
- Mild upper extremity weakness with preserved hand function
Correct answer: Severe physical limitations who need to operate home appliances independently
ECUs enable clients with severe physical limitations to control lights, TV, thermostat, and other appliances through switches or voice control.
OT Assistive Technology & Adaptive Equipment 2
Which pressure-relieving wheelchair cushion type is MOST appropriate for a client at HIGH risk for pressure injuries?