Question 1

An OTA is working with a client who has received a total hip replacement and has limited balance and hip-flexion precautions. What should the OTA recommend in relation to showering in the morning?

Accepted Answer

A higher shower chair is recommended to maintain hip precautions by avoiding excessive hip flexion and to provide stability for someone with limited balance.

Question 2

A client needs a piece of assistive technology; however, his insurance is unwilling to cover the cost of the device. How should the OTA assist the client as he continues to pursue funding for this device?

Accepted Answer

Exploring other options, such as grants, loans, and fundraising, is the best choice. As an OTA, it is important to advocate for the client's needs and find alternate funding sources for expensive assistive technology. Talking with caregivers about bank loans or searching the internet for a fundraising site may not be the best solution for every client and may not always result in successful funding. Exploring reasonable low-tech substitutions for the device may be an option, but it is important to ensure safety and effectiveness in meeting the client's needs.

Question 3

A client with a new, complete T12 spinal cord injury will be discharged home after spending time in a rehabilitation hospital. What should the OTA and family consider first to prepare for discharge?

Accepted Answer

The first consideration should be environmental and home modifications to accommodate the client's wheelchair. This includes ramps, widened doorways, and accessible bathrooms. Only after this has been addressed can the client begin to resume social activities and focus on transferring into preferred furniture. The OTA and family may need to work with contractors to complete necessary modifications.

Question 4

An OTA is working with an elderly client with low vision who has limited financial resources and mild dementia. What would be the best way for the client to access her email independently?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the contrast and font size of the email is a simple, cost-effective solution that can significantly improve accessibility for someone with low vision, aligning with the client's limited financial resources and need for independence.

Question 5

An OTA is working with an older client who has general weakness due to a coronary artery bypass graft. The client will be utilizing a rubber jar grip and a buttonhook to accommodate weak grasp and decreased fine motor skills. These pieces of assistive technology would most likely fit under which category?

Accepted Answer

A rubber jar grip and a buttonhook are both examples of low-tech assistive technology. They are simple, inexpensive, and do not require any electricity or complex programming to operate.

Question 6

An OTA is working with a client who has a TBI and gets overwhelmed with shopping at the grocery store. Which solution would best meet the definition of low-tech assistive technology and would allow the client to shop independently?

Accepted Answer

Creating a shopping list that is laid out according to the store layout is the best low-tech assistive technology solution as it allows the client to shop independently without the need for additional technology or assistance. This solution takes advantage of visual cues to help the client navigate the store and find the items they need in a logical order. Options A and D rely on external assistance, while option C introduces additional technology that may not be necessary for the client's needs.

Question 7

An OTA is helping an individual with a C5 spinal cord injury explore assistive technology for being able to live as independently as possible. Due to the severity of the condition, the OTA is aware that the client will need high-tech assistive technology. Which of the following would best fit this criterion?

Accepted Answer

Due to the severity of the spinal cord injury and the need for high-tech assistive technology, switch-activated environmental aids, including smart-home options, would be the best fit. The client will need technology that can assist them in performing activities of daily living, and smart-home options will allow them to control their environment with minimal physical effort. The other options, such as modified doorknobs and a large remote-activated stereo, would not provide the necessary level of assistance for the client with a C5 spinal cord injury. While a smartphone may have some assistive features and communication options, it may not be sufficient for the client's needs.

Question 8

An OTA who lives with her spouse and three children is adding on to her home so that her aging parents can move in. How should the OTA take universal design into consideration as she is creating the addition?

Accepted Answer

Universal design is about creating spaces that are accessible and usable by people of all abilities and ages. Instead of making specific accommodations for one specific user, the OTA should design the addition to meet the needs of all those who will be using it. This includes considerations such as wider doorways, lower counters, and accessible bathrooms. Planning for an elevator or lift may also be necessary if the addition includes a second floor. A large ramp at the parents' entrance may be necessary, but it's important to consider all areas of the addition and make sure they are universally accessible. Planning for only 42-inch doorways may not be sufficient for all users who may need wider doorways. Therefore, C is the best choice.

Question 9

A client is in need of assistive technology in order to functionally live on her own. Because private insurance will be filed to help pay for the device, what should the OTA assist the client in obtaining?

Accepted Answer

In order for private insurance to cover the cost of assistive technology, a letter of medical necessity and a prescription from a physician are typically required. The OTA can assist the client in obtaining these documents to ensure that the device is covered by insurance. While it may be helpful to provide proof of successful use or information on specific vendors, these are not typically required by insurance companies. Proof that the device is the least costly option may be necessary for Medicaid, but not for private insurance.

Question 10

A client has recently undergone bilateral below-the-knee amputations and will require significant home modifications to be able to return home. What types of modifications should the OTA suggest?

Accepted Answer

The OTA should suggest modifications that will allow the client to maneuver in and out of the house independently. For instance, a ramp for steps will make the entry and exit point of the house easier to navigate. Widening the bathroom/bedroom door will allow the client to move comfortably through these areas with a wheelchair, walker or prostheses. Hanging the sink will make it more accessible to someone seated in a wheelchair.

Question 11

When working on skills for ADLs with a client, what is the best way for the OTA to consider equipment for the client?

Accepted Answer

When selecting equipment for ADLs, it is important for the OTA to consider the client's specific strengths and weaknesses in order to choose tools that will be most useful and effective for them. This approach ensures that the equipment is tailored to the client's individual needs and abilities. It is not appropriate to prescribe equipment based solely on a diagnosis or use the equipment that is the least expensive, as this may not meet the client's unique needs. While asking the client for input on equipment preferences can be helpful, it should not be the sole factor in equipment selection.

Question 12

An OT practitioner is recommending a communication device with computer access for a client with later-stage ALS. The client is unable to speak and has limited motor control but has consistent eye movement and blinks. What type of device would best fit this client's needs?

Accepted Answer

An eye-gaze system would best fit the client's needs as they have consistent eye movement and blinks, which can be used to control the device. This would allow for more independence and autonomy, as the client would be able to communicate through the computer without relying on a caretaker or family member to understand their blinks or head movements. The other options may not be as efficient or accessible for this client with limited motor control.

Quiz 14: Assistive Technology and Home Modifications