Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
Clinical Practice & Patient-Care Questions
Question 1. A client is referred to occupational therapy after a stroke and has difficulty dressing
independently. Which initial approach is most appropriate?
A. Immediately provide a dressing device without assessment
B. Evaluate the client's occupational performance, limitations, goals, and environmental factors
C. Focus exclusively on strengthening the affected arm
D. Teach the client to compensate without determining the underlying problem Occupational therapy
evaluation should identify how the client's condition affects meaningful occupations and participation. The
therapist considers performance skills, client factors, routines, environmental demands, safety, and the
client's own priorities before selecting interventions. A: Equipment should be selected based on
assessment rather than automatically provided. C: Strengthening may be appropriate but does not fully
address dressing performance. D: Compensation can be useful, but the therapist must first determine the
client's specific occupational barriers. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Evaluate the client's occupational performance, limitations, goals, and
environmental factors
Occupational therapy evaluation should identify how the client's condition affects meaningful
Detail ed R at ion ale:
occupations and participation. The therapist considers performance skills, client factors, routines,
environmental demands, safety, and the client's own priorities before selecting interventions.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Equipment should be selected based on assessment rather than automatically provided.
C: Strengthening may be appropriate but does not fully address dressing performance.
D: Compensation can be useful, but the therapist must first determine the client's specific
occupational barriers.
________________________________________
Question 2. Which activity is an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Toileting
C. Medication management
D. Feeding IADLs are complex activities required for independent living in the community. They include
medication management, financial management, meal preparation, shopping, transportation,
communication, and home management. A: Bathing is a basic activity of daily living (ADL). B: Toileting is an
ADL. D: Feeding is an ADL. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: C. Medication management
IADLs are complex activities required for independent living in the community. They include medication
Detail ed R at ion ale:
management, financial management, meal preparation, shopping, transportation, communication, and
home management.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Bathing is a basic activity of daily living (ADL).
B: Toileting is an ADL.
D: Feeding is an ADL.
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
, Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
________________________________________
Question 3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports increased hand pain during meal
preparation. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage prolonged gripping to increase endurance
B. Teach joint-protection and energy-conservation strategies
C. Recommend avoiding all hand activity permanently
D. Increase resistance exercises during periods of acute pain Joint protection and energy conservation can
help reduce excessive stress on painful joints while supporting continued occupational participation.
Intervention should be individualized according to symptoms, goals, and medical considerations. A:
Prolonged gripping can increase joint stress. C: Complete avoidance may unnecessarily reduce
participation and function. D: Increasing resistance during significant pain may aggravate symptoms.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Teach joint-protection and energy-conservation strategies
Joint protection and energy conservation can help reduce excessive stress on painful joints while
Detail ed R at ion ale:
supporting continued occupational participation. Intervention should be individualized according to
symptoms, goals, and medical considerations.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Prolonged gripping can increase joint stress.
C: Complete avoidance may unnecessarily reduce participation and function.
D: Increasing resistance during significant pain may aggravate symptoms.
________________________________________
Question 4. Which finding is most concerning when an occupational therapist is assisting a
patient with transfers?
A. The patient asks for additional instructions
B. The patient demonstrates mild fatigue after activity
C. The patient suddenly becomes pale and dizzy
D. The patient uses a transfer belt appropriately Sudden pallor and dizziness may indicate a potentially
significant physiological response, such as orthostatic intolerance or another acute problem. The therapist
should stop or modify the activity, ensure safety, assess the patient according to setting protocols, and
seek appropriate medical assistance. A: Asking questions can indicate appropriate engagement. B: Mild
fatigue can occur during rehabilitation but should still be monitored. D: Appropriate transfer-belt use
promotes safety. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: C. The patient suddenly becomes pale and dizzy
Sudden pallor and dizziness may indicate a potentially significant physiological response, such as
Detail ed R at ion ale:
orthostatic intolerance or another acute problem. The therapist should stop or modify the activity,
ensure safety, assess the patient according to setting protocols, and seek appropriate medical
assistance.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Asking questions can indicate appropriate engagement.
B: Mild fatigue can occur during rehabilitation but should still be monitored.
D: Appropriate transfer-belt use promotes safety.
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
, Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
________________________________________
Question 5. A patient with left-sided hemiparesis is learning to dress. Which instruction is
generally appropriate when putting on a shirt?
A. Dress the stronger arm first
B. Dress the affected arm first
C. Always dress both arms simultaneously
D. Avoid using the affected arm For many patients with unilateral weakness, placing the affected extremity
into clothing first reduces the amount of movement and control required from that limb. When removing
clothing, the stronger side is commonly removed first. The strategy should still be individualized. A: The
stronger arm is usually easier to manage and is commonly dressed after the affected side. C: Simultaneous
dressing is not necessarily practical or safe. D: Avoiding the affected arm can reinforce learned nonuse.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Dress the affected arm first
For many patients with unilateral weakness, placing the affected extremity into clothing first reduces
Detail ed R at ion ale:
the amount of movement and control required from that limb. When removing clothing, the stronger side
is commonly removed first. The strategy should still be individualized.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: The stronger arm is usually easier to manage and is commonly dressed after the affected side.
C: Simultaneous dressing is not necessarily practical or safe.
D: Avoiding the affected arm can reinforce learned nonuse.
________________________________________
Question 6. Which goal is written in the most measurable occupational-therapy format?
A. Patient will improve dressing.
B. Patient will have better coordination.
C. Patient will independently don a pullover shirt using adaptive techniques within 10 minutes by discharge.
D. Patient will feel stronger. A strong functional goal identifies the occupation or activity, expected level of
performance, relevant conditions or supports, and a measurable timeframe. A: Too vague to objectively
measure. B: Does not identify the functional outcome. D: "Feel stronger" is subjective and lacks a
measurable functional criterion. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: C. Patient will independently don a pullover shirt using adaptive techniques within 10
minutes by discharge.
A strong functional goal identifies the occupation or activity, expected level of performance, relevant
Detail ed R at ion ale:
conditions or supports, and a measurable timeframe.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Too vague to objectively measure.
B: Does not identify the functional outcome.
D: "Feel stronger" is subjective and lacks a measurable functional criterion.
________________________________________
Question 7. A patient with a spinal cord injury has reduced sensation in the lower extremities.
Which patient-care education is most important for preventing pressure injuries?
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
, Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
A. Remain in one position as long as it is comfortable
B. Perform regular pressure-relief techniques and inspect the skin
C. Use heat packs over areas with decreased sensation
D. Massage reddened areas vigorously Reduced sensation increases the risk that tissue injury will go
unnoticed. Pressure-relief strategies, appropriate positioning, skin inspection, and education are important
components of prevention. A: Prolonged pressure increases injury risk. C: Reduced sensation increases the
risk of thermal injury. D: Vigorous massage over compromised tissue can worsen injury.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Perform regular pressure-relief techniques and inspect the skin
Reduced sensation increases the risk that tissue injury will go unnoticed. Pressure-relief strategies,
Detail ed R at ion ale:
appropriate positioning, skin inspection, and education are important components of prevention.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Prolonged pressure increases injury risk.
C: Reduced sensation increases the risk of thermal injury.
D: Vigorous massage over compromised tissue can worsen injury.
________________________________________
Question 8. Which intervention best represents occupation-based therapy?
A. Practicing isolated finger movements exclusively
B. Performing a meaningful cooking task while addressing impaired upper-extremity function
C. Performing passive range of motion without a functional goal
D. Using a hand exerciser without relating it to the client's goals Occupation-based intervention directly
incorporates meaningful activities into therapy. Exercises may also be appropriate, but the ultimate
purpose is to support occupational performance and participation. A: Isolated movements may be
preparatory rather than occupation-based. C: Passive motion may support function but is not itself an
occupation. D: An exercise device may be useful, but it should connect to functional goals.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Performing a meaningful cooking task while addressing impaired upper-extremity
function
Occupation-based intervention directly incorporates meaningful activities into therapy. Exercises may
Detail ed R at ion ale:
also be appropriate, but the ultimate purpose is to support occupational performance and participation.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Isolated movements may be preparatory rather than occupation-based.
C: Passive motion may support function but is not itself an occupation.
D: An exercise device may be useful, but it should connect to functional goals.
________________________________________
Question 9. A patient recovering from a hip replacement has difficulty following movement
precautions. Which OT intervention is most appropriate?
A. Practice dressing and toileting using appropriate adaptive equipment
B. Tell the patient to avoid all lower-body activities
C. Encourage deep squatting to build strength
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
Clinical Practice & Patient-Care Questions
Question 1. A client is referred to occupational therapy after a stroke and has difficulty dressing
independently. Which initial approach is most appropriate?
A. Immediately provide a dressing device without assessment
B. Evaluate the client's occupational performance, limitations, goals, and environmental factors
C. Focus exclusively on strengthening the affected arm
D. Teach the client to compensate without determining the underlying problem Occupational therapy
evaluation should identify how the client's condition affects meaningful occupations and participation. The
therapist considers performance skills, client factors, routines, environmental demands, safety, and the
client's own priorities before selecting interventions. A: Equipment should be selected based on
assessment rather than automatically provided. C: Strengthening may be appropriate but does not fully
address dressing performance. D: Compensation can be useful, but the therapist must first determine the
client's specific occupational barriers. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Evaluate the client's occupational performance, limitations, goals, and
environmental factors
Occupational therapy evaluation should identify how the client's condition affects meaningful
Detail ed R at ion ale:
occupations and participation. The therapist considers performance skills, client factors, routines,
environmental demands, safety, and the client's own priorities before selecting interventions.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Equipment should be selected based on assessment rather than automatically provided.
C: Strengthening may be appropriate but does not fully address dressing performance.
D: Compensation can be useful, but the therapist must first determine the client's specific
occupational barriers.
________________________________________
Question 2. Which activity is an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Toileting
C. Medication management
D. Feeding IADLs are complex activities required for independent living in the community. They include
medication management, financial management, meal preparation, shopping, transportation,
communication, and home management. A: Bathing is a basic activity of daily living (ADL). B: Toileting is an
ADL. D: Feeding is an ADL. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: C. Medication management
IADLs are complex activities required for independent living in the community. They include medication
Detail ed R at ion ale:
management, financial management, meal preparation, shopping, transportation, communication, and
home management.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Bathing is a basic activity of daily living (ADL).
B: Toileting is an ADL.
D: Feeding is an ADL.
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
, Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
________________________________________
Question 3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports increased hand pain during meal
preparation. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage prolonged gripping to increase endurance
B. Teach joint-protection and energy-conservation strategies
C. Recommend avoiding all hand activity permanently
D. Increase resistance exercises during periods of acute pain Joint protection and energy conservation can
help reduce excessive stress on painful joints while supporting continued occupational participation.
Intervention should be individualized according to symptoms, goals, and medical considerations. A:
Prolonged gripping can increase joint stress. C: Complete avoidance may unnecessarily reduce
participation and function. D: Increasing resistance during significant pain may aggravate symptoms.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Teach joint-protection and energy-conservation strategies
Joint protection and energy conservation can help reduce excessive stress on painful joints while
Detail ed R at ion ale:
supporting continued occupational participation. Intervention should be individualized according to
symptoms, goals, and medical considerations.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Prolonged gripping can increase joint stress.
C: Complete avoidance may unnecessarily reduce participation and function.
D: Increasing resistance during significant pain may aggravate symptoms.
________________________________________
Question 4. Which finding is most concerning when an occupational therapist is assisting a
patient with transfers?
A. The patient asks for additional instructions
B. The patient demonstrates mild fatigue after activity
C. The patient suddenly becomes pale and dizzy
D. The patient uses a transfer belt appropriately Sudden pallor and dizziness may indicate a potentially
significant physiological response, such as orthostatic intolerance or another acute problem. The therapist
should stop or modify the activity, ensure safety, assess the patient according to setting protocols, and
seek appropriate medical assistance. A: Asking questions can indicate appropriate engagement. B: Mild
fatigue can occur during rehabilitation but should still be monitored. D: Appropriate transfer-belt use
promotes safety. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: C. The patient suddenly becomes pale and dizzy
Sudden pallor and dizziness may indicate a potentially significant physiological response, such as
Detail ed R at ion ale:
orthostatic intolerance or another acute problem. The therapist should stop or modify the activity,
ensure safety, assess the patient according to setting protocols, and seek appropriate medical
assistance.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Asking questions can indicate appropriate engagement.
B: Mild fatigue can occur during rehabilitation but should still be monitored.
D: Appropriate transfer-belt use promotes safety.
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
, Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
________________________________________
Question 5. A patient with left-sided hemiparesis is learning to dress. Which instruction is
generally appropriate when putting on a shirt?
A. Dress the stronger arm first
B. Dress the affected arm first
C. Always dress both arms simultaneously
D. Avoid using the affected arm For many patients with unilateral weakness, placing the affected extremity
into clothing first reduces the amount of movement and control required from that limb. When removing
clothing, the stronger side is commonly removed first. The strategy should still be individualized. A: The
stronger arm is usually easier to manage and is commonly dressed after the affected side. C: Simultaneous
dressing is not necessarily practical or safe. D: Avoiding the affected arm can reinforce learned nonuse.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Dress the affected arm first
For many patients with unilateral weakness, placing the affected extremity into clothing first reduces
Detail ed R at ion ale:
the amount of movement and control required from that limb. When removing clothing, the stronger side
is commonly removed first. The strategy should still be individualized.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: The stronger arm is usually easier to manage and is commonly dressed after the affected side.
C: Simultaneous dressing is not necessarily practical or safe.
D: Avoiding the affected arm can reinforce learned nonuse.
________________________________________
Question 6. Which goal is written in the most measurable occupational-therapy format?
A. Patient will improve dressing.
B. Patient will have better coordination.
C. Patient will independently don a pullover shirt using adaptive techniques within 10 minutes by discharge.
D. Patient will feel stronger. A strong functional goal identifies the occupation or activity, expected level of
performance, relevant conditions or supports, and a measurable timeframe. A: Too vague to objectively
measure. B: Does not identify the functional outcome. D: "Feel stronger" is subjective and lacks a
measurable functional criterion. ________________________________________
Correct Answer: C. Patient will independently don a pullover shirt using adaptive techniques within 10
minutes by discharge.
A strong functional goal identifies the occupation or activity, expected level of performance, relevant
Detail ed R at ion ale:
conditions or supports, and a measurable timeframe.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Too vague to objectively measure.
B: Does not identify the functional outcome.
D: "Feel stronger" is subjective and lacks a measurable functional criterion.
________________________________________
Question 7. A patient with a spinal cord injury has reduced sensation in the lower extremities.
Which patient-care education is most important for preventing pressure injuries?
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
, Occupational Therapy Comprehensive Study Guide 2026–2027
A. Remain in one position as long as it is comfortable
B. Perform regular pressure-relief techniques and inspect the skin
C. Use heat packs over areas with decreased sensation
D. Massage reddened areas vigorously Reduced sensation increases the risk that tissue injury will go
unnoticed. Pressure-relief strategies, appropriate positioning, skin inspection, and education are important
components of prevention. A: Prolonged pressure increases injury risk. C: Reduced sensation increases the
risk of thermal injury. D: Vigorous massage over compromised tissue can worsen injury.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Perform regular pressure-relief techniques and inspect the skin
Reduced sensation increases the risk that tissue injury will go unnoticed. Pressure-relief strategies,
Detail ed R at ion ale:
appropriate positioning, skin inspection, and education are important components of prevention.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Prolonged pressure increases injury risk.
C: Reduced sensation increases the risk of thermal injury.
D: Vigorous massage over compromised tissue can worsen injury.
________________________________________
Question 8. Which intervention best represents occupation-based therapy?
A. Practicing isolated finger movements exclusively
B. Performing a meaningful cooking task while addressing impaired upper-extremity function
C. Performing passive range of motion without a functional goal
D. Using a hand exerciser without relating it to the client's goals Occupation-based intervention directly
incorporates meaningful activities into therapy. Exercises may also be appropriate, but the ultimate
purpose is to support occupational performance and participation. A: Isolated movements may be
preparatory rather than occupation-based. C: Passive motion may support function but is not itself an
occupation. D: An exercise device may be useful, but it should connect to functional goals.
________________________________________
Correct Answer: B. Performing a meaningful cooking task while addressing impaired upper-extremity
function
Occupation-based intervention directly incorporates meaningful activities into therapy. Exercises may
Detail ed R at ion ale:
also be appropriate, but the ultimate purpose is to support occupational performance and participation.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A: Isolated movements may be preparatory rather than occupation-based.
C: Passive motion may support function but is not itself an occupation.
D: An exercise device may be useful, but it should connect to functional goals.
________________________________________
Question 9. A patient recovering from a hip replacement has difficulty following movement
precautions. Which OT intervention is most appropriate?
A. Practice dressing and toileting using appropriate adaptive equipment
B. Tell the patient to avoid all lower-body activities
C. Encourage deep squatting to build strength
Occupational Therapy & Patient Care | Practice Review
