OT NBCOT OT Exam Domain Knowledge

Question 1

A 72-year-old man with right hemiplegia following a stroke is referred for OT evaluation.
The occupational therapist administers the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).
Which domain does the FIM primarily assess?

Accepted Answer

Motor and cognitive functional independence in daily activities

Answer

Muscle strength and range of motion of the affected limb

Answer

Psychological adjustment to disability and quality of life

Answer

Sensory processing abilities and perceptual skills

Question 2

During evaluation of a 5-year-old child with sensory processing disorder, the OT notices the child is hypersensitive to light touch but seeks out deep pressure. Using Ayres' Sensory Integration framework, this pattern most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Sensory modulation dysfunction with tactile defensiveness and proprioceptive seeking

Answer

Dyspraxia with poor bilateral integration and sequencing

Answer

Vestibular hyposensitivity requiring linear movement activities

Answer

Auditory processing disorder requiring therapeutic listening programs

Question 3

An OT is reviewing the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4) to guide evaluation of a 45-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis. Which of the following best describes an 'occupation' as defined by OTPF-4?

Accepted Answer

Activities that have personal meaning and purpose and support participation in life

Answer

Any task performed during a therapy session to improve motor function

Answer

Movements and physical actions that achieve a functional goal

Answer

Standardized procedures used to assess performance skills

Question 4

An OT administers the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to an 80-year-old woman and obtains a score of 20/30. Based on this result, which area of performance is MOST likely to be impaired and should guide OT intervention planning?

Accepted Answer

Higher-level IADLs such as medication management and financial tasks

Answer

Basic self-care tasks such as bathing and grooming

Answer

Physical mobility and transfer skills

Answer

Social participation and community integration

Question 5

A 35-year-old construction worker is recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and reports difficulty returning to work. The OT uses the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to guide evaluation. Which MOHO concept BEST explains why the worker's strong prior work identity is an asset in rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Occupational identity, which motivates engagement and goal-directed behavior

Answer

Habituation, which refers to automatic routines that organize daily behavior

Answer

Volition, specifically personal causation related to skill belief

Answer

Performance capacity based on objective musculoskeletal abilities

Question 6

An OT is performing a standardized upper extremity assessment on a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. Which assessment tool is MOST appropriate for measuring functional grip and pinch strength?

Accepted Answer

Jamar dynamometer for grip strength and pinch gauge for lateral, tip, and palmar pinch

Answer

Manual muscle testing (MMT) graded 0–5 for wrist flexors and extensors

Answer

Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments for sensory threshold mapping

Answer

DASH questionnaire for self-reported functional limitations

Question 7

A 68-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease is experiencing difficulty with meal preparation. The OT observes bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability during the kitchen evaluation. Which adaptive strategy would be MOST beneficial for improving her safety and independence?

Accepted Answer

Use of weighted utensils, non-slip mats, loop scissors, and a high stool at the counter

Answer

Referral to a neurologist to adjust dopaminergic medication before beginning OT

Answer

Intensive repetitive practice of fine motor tasks to rebuild automatic movement patterns

Answer

Prescription of a standard walker to address postural instability during cooking