Michigan Occupational Therapy
Specialist Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
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1. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in
evaluating a client with suspected upper extremity tendon injury?
A. Begin resistive strengthening exercises immediately
B. Conduct a detailed occupational and medical history with
functional assessment
C. Apply continuous passive motion without assessment
D. Initiate electrical stimulation therapy immediately
A thorough history and functional assessment are essential to
determine the extent of injury, identify precautions, and guide safe
and effective occupational therapy interventions.
2. In occupational therapy, the primary purpose of a splint is to:
A. Strengthen muscles through resistance
B. Maintain or improve joint alignment and function
C. Replace lost sensation permanently
D. Provide aesthetic enhancement
Splints are designed to support, immobilize, or mobilize joints to
prevent deformity and enhance functional use, rather than to build
muscle directly or serve cosmetic purposes.
3. Which standardized assessment is best suited to measure fine motor
coordination in children?
, A. Barthel Index
B. Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-2)
C. Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
D. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
The PDMS-2 specifically evaluates fine and gross motor skills in
children, making it appropriate for identifying developmental delays
in coordination.
4. When designing a home exercise program for a client with chronic
wrist pain, the OT should prioritize:
A. Maximal weight-bearing exercises
B. Gradual range-of-motion and functional strengthening exercises
C. Painful stretching to increase tolerance
D. High-intensity repetitive gripping
Gradual and controlled exercises enhance mobility and strength
while minimizing the risk of aggravating chronic pain.
5. In the context of occupational therapy, “activity analysis” primarily
refers to:
A. Evaluating the client’s emotional response to therapy
B. Breaking down an activity to understand its demands and required
skills
C. Measuring muscle strength during activity
D. Recording vital signs during participation
Activity analysis helps the therapist identify the physical, cognitive,
and social demands of tasks to tailor interventions to the client’s
abilities.
6. Which of the following interventions is evidence-based for managing
hemiplegia following a stroke?
A. Passive observation of movement
B. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
C. Complete immobilization of the affected limb
D. Solely verbal instruction without practice
CIMT promotes functional use of the affected limb by restricting the
unaffected limb, improving neuroplasticity and motor recovery.
7. Sensory integration therapy is most effective for which population?
A. Older adults with osteoporosis
, B. Individuals recovering from total knee replacement
C. Children with sensory processing disorders
D. Adults with chronic low back pain
Sensory integration therapy targets children who have difficulty
processing and responding to sensory input, improving functional
participation.
8. Which occupational therapy approach is most suitable for a client with
progressive neuromuscular disease?
A. Strength training without modification
B. Adaptive equipment and energy conservation strategies
C. High-intensity aerobic training
D. Prolonged immobilization of affected joints
Adaptive equipment and energy conservation help maintain
independence and prevent fatigue in progressive conditions without
risking further injury.
9. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness lasting
over one hour. Which intervention is most appropriate initially?
A. High-load resistance exercises
B. Gentle range-of-motion exercises and joint protection techniques
C. Complete bed rest until stiffness resolves
D. Aggressive passive stretching
Gentle ROM exercises reduce stiffness while minimizing joint stress,
and education in joint protection helps prevent exacerbation.
10. Which cognitive assessment is most appropriate for an adult
with suspected mild traumatic brain injury affecting attention and
memory?
A. Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)
B. Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological
Status (RBANS)
C. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)
D. Berg Balance Scale
RBANS assesses attention, memory, language, and visuospatial
abilities, making it suitable for adults with mild cognitive deficits.
11. When performing ergonomic evaluation in the workplace, the
OT’s primary goal is to:
Specialist Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in
evaluating a client with suspected upper extremity tendon injury?
A. Begin resistive strengthening exercises immediately
B. Conduct a detailed occupational and medical history with
functional assessment
C. Apply continuous passive motion without assessment
D. Initiate electrical stimulation therapy immediately
A thorough history and functional assessment are essential to
determine the extent of injury, identify precautions, and guide safe
and effective occupational therapy interventions.
2. In occupational therapy, the primary purpose of a splint is to:
A. Strengthen muscles through resistance
B. Maintain or improve joint alignment and function
C. Replace lost sensation permanently
D. Provide aesthetic enhancement
Splints are designed to support, immobilize, or mobilize joints to
prevent deformity and enhance functional use, rather than to build
muscle directly or serve cosmetic purposes.
3. Which standardized assessment is best suited to measure fine motor
coordination in children?
, A. Barthel Index
B. Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-2)
C. Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
D. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
The PDMS-2 specifically evaluates fine and gross motor skills in
children, making it appropriate for identifying developmental delays
in coordination.
4. When designing a home exercise program for a client with chronic
wrist pain, the OT should prioritize:
A. Maximal weight-bearing exercises
B. Gradual range-of-motion and functional strengthening exercises
C. Painful stretching to increase tolerance
D. High-intensity repetitive gripping
Gradual and controlled exercises enhance mobility and strength
while minimizing the risk of aggravating chronic pain.
5. In the context of occupational therapy, “activity analysis” primarily
refers to:
A. Evaluating the client’s emotional response to therapy
B. Breaking down an activity to understand its demands and required
skills
C. Measuring muscle strength during activity
D. Recording vital signs during participation
Activity analysis helps the therapist identify the physical, cognitive,
and social demands of tasks to tailor interventions to the client’s
abilities.
6. Which of the following interventions is evidence-based for managing
hemiplegia following a stroke?
A. Passive observation of movement
B. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
C. Complete immobilization of the affected limb
D. Solely verbal instruction without practice
CIMT promotes functional use of the affected limb by restricting the
unaffected limb, improving neuroplasticity and motor recovery.
7. Sensory integration therapy is most effective for which population?
A. Older adults with osteoporosis
, B. Individuals recovering from total knee replacement
C. Children with sensory processing disorders
D. Adults with chronic low back pain
Sensory integration therapy targets children who have difficulty
processing and responding to sensory input, improving functional
participation.
8. Which occupational therapy approach is most suitable for a client with
progressive neuromuscular disease?
A. Strength training without modification
B. Adaptive equipment and energy conservation strategies
C. High-intensity aerobic training
D. Prolonged immobilization of affected joints
Adaptive equipment and energy conservation help maintain
independence and prevent fatigue in progressive conditions without
risking further injury.
9. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness lasting
over one hour. Which intervention is most appropriate initially?
A. High-load resistance exercises
B. Gentle range-of-motion exercises and joint protection techniques
C. Complete bed rest until stiffness resolves
D. Aggressive passive stretching
Gentle ROM exercises reduce stiffness while minimizing joint stress,
and education in joint protection helps prevent exacerbation.
10. Which cognitive assessment is most appropriate for an adult
with suspected mild traumatic brain injury affecting attention and
memory?
A. Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)
B. Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological
Status (RBANS)
C. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)
D. Berg Balance Scale
RBANS assesses attention, memory, language, and visuospatial
abilities, making it suitable for adults with mild cognitive deficits.
11. When performing ergonomic evaluation in the workplace, the
OT’s primary goal is to:
