Question 1

The occupational therapist working in the community clinic observes that 5-year-old Paul is lethargic and seems to be slurring his words at today's session. Paul's mother notes that he is taking a new psychotropic medication. Which statement best reflects the role of the occupational therapist relative to this situation?

Accepted Answer

As a healthcare practitioner, the occupational therapist has a duty to report any new or concerning symptoms to the prescribing physician, particularly if the symptoms are potentially related to a medication. Prompt reporting allows for timely assessment and adjustment of the medication regimen if necessary. Choice A is also appropriate but it should not replace informing the physician. Choices C and D are not necessary or appropriate in this situation.

Question 2

Molly is playing jump rope nicely with Thyme. They are sharing one jump rope. Virginia, who has attention deficit disorder, comes over and snatches the jump rope away. Molly and Thyme are angry. According to rational intervention principles, what should the adult who has observed this event do?

Accepted Answer

The rational intervention approach encourages observing and allowing children to resolve conflicts on their own, promoting problem-solving and social skills.

Question 3

Which statement is true concerning abuse and children with disability?

Accepted Answer

Children with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of abuse compared to their non-disabled peers. Research indicates that the incidence of abuse is approximately 3.4 times greater for children with disabilities.

Question 4

Nina, the occupational therapist, is designing intervention activities for her clients. Which description does not reflect what she should consider to provide optimally therapeutic activities?

Accepted Answer

It is important for Nina to tailor her intervention activities to each individual client's needs and goals. Activities that can be used with all of her clients may not be the most effective or appropriate for each individual.

Question 5

Heidi is a 15-year-old girl with bipolar disorder whose mother has requested that she receive services outside of school to help her control her moods. Heidi attends school during the day and is being followed by a psychiatrist. Which setting is most appropriate to help Heidi?

Accepted Answer

Since Heidi is attending school during the day and is already being followed by a psychiatrist, outpatient treatment would be the most appropriate option. Outpatient treatment would allow Heidi to receive additional services outside of school and continue with her current treatment plan. Inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment centers, and juvenile corrections centers are more intensive and restrictive options that would not be necessary for Heidi's current needs.

Question 6

Marcus experiences such anxiety and agitation in the classroom that he is unable to attend to his academic studies. He has severe anxiety disorder. Furthermore, his home environment is chaotic, and he receives little support from his parents. What is the school's role in meeting Marcus's needs?

Accepted Answer

Marcus's severe anxiety disorder and chaotic home environment may meet the criteria for emotional disturbance under special education law. The school has a responsibility to identify and evaluate Marcus, and if he is found eligible for special education services, then the school must provide appropriate accommodations and support to meet his needs. This could include counseling, behavior intervention, and academic accommodations to address his difficulties with focusing and attending to his studies. Choice A is not appropriate because Marcus's anxiety and agitation are not intentional behaviors, and he needs support to manage his emotions. Choice C is incorrect because special education services are not limited to physical disabilities. Choice D may be an option, but it is not the only solution, and it depends on the severity of Marcus's condition and the availability of a specialized school in his area.

Question 7

Which goal is most appropriate for Karen, a 12-year-old girl with a behavioral disorder who wants to be successful at painting pictures with others in art class?

Accepted Answer

Option D is most appropriate as it sets a clear and achievable goal for Karen to work towards. It also addresses her specific behavioral difficulties in class by focusing on her ability to ask for supplies politely and remain on task with minimal verbal cues. Option A is not appropriate as it does not relate directly to Karen's goal of painting with others in art class. Option B is somewhat relevant, but it does not provide a clear goal for Karen to work towards. Option C is also somewhat relevant, but it focuses on Karen's ability to pass out supplies rather than her ability to participate in painting pictures with others.

Question 8

Which statement is not a characteristic of autism spectrum disorders?

Accepted Answer

Disobedience and hostility toward authority figures is not a characteristic of autism spectrum disorders. In fact, individuals with autism spectrum disorders may have difficulty understanding and following social rules and may have difficulties in social interactions with authority figures and other people.

Question 9

Margaret leaves her infant daughter at home with her 7-year-old brother for the evening. What term describes this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Leaving an infant at home with a 7-year-old is considered neglect because it puts the infant in a potentially dangerous situation without proper supervision or care.

Question 10

Robert is an 8-year old boy who is frequently negative and irritable at school. He has a high activity level and becomes easily frustrated when he does not understand the work. How could one categorize his temperament?

Accepted Answer

Robert's frequent negativity and irritability, high activity level, and easily frustrated nature suggest a difficult temperament.

Question 11

A parent tells Mary, the occupational therapist working in an early childhood intervention program, that she leaves her 6-month-old infant at home alone for hours so she can meet up with friends on the corner during the day. Mary suspects that this is related to the parent's history of drug abuse. What must Mary do?

Accepted Answer

Mary has a duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services. Leaving a 6-month-old infant at home alone for hours is neglectful and puts the child in danger. It is important to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child, and reporting to CPS is necessary in this situation. Although Mary can inform and educate the parent about the dangers of leaving a child alone, it is not enough in cases of suspected abuse or neglect. Documenting in the session note is also important, but it should not be the only action taken in this situation.

Question 12

Mya is a 13-year-old girl who is doing poorly in school. Her mother reports that she sleeps all day, does not eat well, and cries a lot for no reason. Mya makes very little eye contact and complains that her life is boring and pointless. What type of disorder do these symptoms suggest?

Accepted Answer

Mya's symptoms suggest a depressive disorder, as she displays symptoms such as poor school performance, changes in sleep and appetite, lack of interest, crying without reason, and negative thoughts about her life. The lack of eye contact also suggests feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem, which are common in depressive disorders. Bipolar disorder may involve mood swings between depression and mania, which is not evident in Mya's case. Anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder mainly involve symptoms such as excessive worry or anxiety, repetitive behaviors or thoughts, and avoidance behaviors, which are not seen in Mya's case.

Question 13

What is the best way for an occupational therapist to help parents develop strong attachments with their infants?

Accepted Answer

As an occupational therapist, the best way to help parents develop strong attachments with their infants is by providing them with guidance on how to care for and play with their infants. This can include teaching them about the importance of eye contact, touch, and communication in developing attachment. Helping parents to understand their infant's developmental needs and providing them with opportunities to engage in meaningful play can also contribute to establishing strong attachments. Suggesting toys, music, or a nanny may not necessarily promote attachment, and providing parents with time away from their infant may actually hinder attachment formation.

Question 14

Trevor is a 10-year-old boy who is having difficulty getting on the bus in the morning. He reports feeling very upset, like something bad is going to happen. He says this started at the beginning of the school year (almost 7 months ago), and he just can't shake it. He says he feels this way all day long, and he is beginning to struggle in school. What type of disorder do these symptoms suggest?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest an anxiety disorder, possibly generalized anxiety disorder. Trevor reports feeling upset and anxious in the mornings and that this feeling persists throughout the day, leading to him struggling in school. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of both depression and mania, which are not described in this scenario. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves repetitive, intrusive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors. Depressive disorder involves persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, which are also not described in this scenario.

Question 15

What is an environmental factor contributing to physical and emotional child abuse?

Accepted Answer

Poverty is a well-established environmental factor contributing to physical and emotional child abuse. Financial stress, lack of access to resources, and inability to provide basic needs can increase the risk of abusive behaviors towards children.

Quiz 13: Psychosocial Issues Affecting Social Participation