OTR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield OTR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An OTR is training a caregiver to use a mechanical Hoyer lift. Which instruction is MOST important for safety? → Ensure the sling is positioned under the client before operating the lift
2. A client with low vision is having difficulty reading medication labels. Which low-vision assistive strategy should the OTR recommend FIRST? → Provide large-print labels and a handheld magnifier
3. What type of assessment evaluates a client’s cognitive abilities? → Cognitive assessment
4. When conducting a risk assessment for OTR operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
5. How does observation help in client evaluation? → Objective performance data
6. Which feeding milestone should be established before introducing pureed solids to an infant? → Sitting with minimal support and head control
7. A core principle of trauma-informed care in OT practice is: → Ensuring physical safety, trustworthiness, and client empowerment throughout care
8. Which setting commonly employs occupational therapists? → Hospitals and rehab centers
9. When conducting a risk assessment for OTR operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
10. Which assessment method provides the MOST reliable data for OTR professionals making critical decisions? → Standardized tools combined with professional observation
11. Which type of environmental control unit (ECU) is MOST appropriate for a client with C4 complete spinal cord injury who has no functional hand movement? → Voice-activated ECU
12. A client with COPD experiences dyspnea during self-care tasks. Which adaptive equipment recommendation BEST conserves energy during bathing? → Tub transfer bench and handheld shower
13. Which DBT skill module is most relevant when OTs teach clients to tolerate emotional distress without making situations worse? → Distress Tolerance
14. When recommending a reacher for a client post-total hip arthroplasty (posterior approach), the primary purpose is to: → Maintain hip precautions by avoiding hip flexion beyond 90°
15. What does beneficence mean in professional ethics? → Promoting client well-being
16. Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in OTR practice? → The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
17. What is the purpose of an OT evaluation? → Assess abilities and plan therapy
18. Which seating feature is MOST important for a client with cerebral palsy who demonstrates extensor tone with posterior pelvic tilt? → High seat back with headrest
19. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a self-designed tool that: → Helps individuals identify triggers, early warning signs, and personal recovery strategies
20. In Certified Occupational Therapist Registered practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
21. Which principle emphasizes confidentiality of client information? → Confidentiality
22. When recommending a raised toilet seat for a client post-total knee arthroplasty, the optimal seat height allows the client's hips to be positioned at: → Exactly 90° hip flexion
23. When a OTR professional encounters an unexpected result during a procedure, the FIRST action should be to: → Stop, assess the situation, and determine whether to proceed or seek guidance
24. How does occupational therapy benefit mental health? → Enhance coping and functioning
25. How should Certified Occupational Therapist Registered professionals handle procedures that have been updated or revised? → Review updates, complete required training, and implement revised procedures
26. Which wrist position in a resting hand splint best preserves hand function and prevents contracture in a client with spastic hemiplegia? → Wrist extended 20–30°, MCPs flexed 45–70°, IPs slightly flexed
27. In Certified Occupational Therapist Registered, what is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting an initial assessment? → To establish a baseline and identify needs for appropriate action
28. In OT-led social skills training for clients with schizophrenia, which approach is most evidence-based? → Role-playing and behavioral rehearsal of specific social interactions
29. When working with clients on antipsychotic medications, OTs should monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which include: → Tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, and acute dystonia
30. When using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2), which subtests are evaluated by the occupational therapist rather than the physical therapist? → Grasping and visual-motor integration subtests