This week focuses on: Psychosocial Conditions & Interventions, Groups and Group Dynamics, Allen’s Cognitive Level (ACL), and Activities of Daily Living
This week focuses on: Psychosocial Conditions & Interventions, Groups and Group Dynamics, Allen’s Cognitive Level (ACL), and Activities of Daily Living
To streamline studying, we have highlighted our most recommended material. If you are limited on time, please review this material first.
Alzheimer’s Disease- OT Intervention | OT MIRI
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Module 6 OTA Quiz. If you do not get 75% or better, we strongly recommend that you sign up for one on one tutoring so that you can better understand the material
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Module 6 OTA Quiz. If you do not get 75% or better, we strongly recommend that you sign up for one on one tutoring so that you can better understand the material
While planning a group session, a COTA® decides to use a directive leadership style based on the needs of the group members. For which types of developmental groups would this type of leadership style be the MOST appropriate?
A. Project and Parallel.
Directive Leadership (same as Autocratic)- The OTA is responsible for the planning and structuring of much of what takes place in the group.
• Defines the group
• Sets the goals
• Selects activities and media used
• Structures the group to be therapeutically appropriate. By structuring the environment and the task demand, the members are given the opportunity to do as much as they can for themselves.
• Most group roles are performed by the leader
• Feedback to members given mostly by the leader
This type of leadership style is best used with lower functioning patients who do not have the cognitive capabilities to make decisions or solve problems. Applicable for patients who present with cognitive impairments, poor capacity for insight, poor verbal skills, poor social skills, low motivation.
Module 6. Topic: Group Dynamics.
A. Project and Parallel.
Directive Leadership (same as Autocratic)- The OTA is responsible for the planning and structuring of much of what takes place in the group.
• Defines the group
• Sets the goals
• Selects activities and media used
• Structures the group to be therapeutically appropriate. By structuring the environment and the task demand, the members are given the opportunity to do as much as they can for themselves.
• Most group roles are performed by the leader
• Feedback to members given mostly by the leader
This type of leadership style is best used with lower functioning patients who do not have the cognitive capabilities to make decisions or solve problems. Applicable for patients who present with cognitive impairments, poor capacity for insight, poor verbal skills, poor social skills, low motivation.
Module 6. Topic: Group Dynamics.
Anna is a 32-year-old patient who was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 22-years-old. She completed her high school education and in the past, worked as a cleaner but she was never able to hold down a job for longer than a few months. Anna is currently unemployed and is attending the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program to address her wellness and employment goals. One of Anna’s main goals is to find employment in a retail store as she has an interest in fashion and wants to find work that can be long term. How can the OTA help Anna achieve her goal?
B. Refer Anna to an IPS (Individual Placement and Support) program.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a model of supported employment for people with serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar, depression). IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work at regular jobs of their choosing. Supported employment is an important intervention that can enable people with serious mental illness to succeed in finding and maintaining jobs. Supported employment focuses on achieving outcomes by matching individuals to jobs best suited for their skills, strengths, interests, and capacities, and by providing continuous support during employment. More specifically, supported employment uses eight guiding principles, which distinguishes it from other vocational support programs:
• Every person who wants to work is eligible.
• Competitive jobs are the goal.
• Supported employment services are integrated with mental health services.
• Personalized benefits counseling is provided (to address concerns about potential loss of health benefits and disability payments).
• The job search starts soon after a person expresses interest in working (there is no requirement of readiness other than interest).
• Employment specialists build relationships with employers (individuals receive more than employment leads).
• Individualized job supports are time unlimited (before and during employment).
• Individual preferences are honored (this effectively focuses the job search on positions that use individual’s strengths and skills and that are aligned with his or her interests).
C. Vocational rehabilitation focuses on career counseling, job-seeking skills, training, and assistance navigating job markets.
D. Work Conditioning: The occupational therapist uses a systematic approach to restore the performance skills of workers recovering from long-term injury or illness. There is a focus on restoring musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as safely performing work tasks. This is typically achieved through work simulation and individualized interventions to improve physical capacity.
B. Refer Anna to an IPS (Individual Placement and Support) program.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a model of supported employment for people with serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar, depression). IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work at regular jobs of their choosing. Supported employment is an important intervention that can enable people with serious mental illness to succeed in finding and maintaining jobs. Supported employment focuses on achieving outcomes by matching individuals to jobs best suited for their skills, strengths, interests, and capacities, and by providing continuous support during employment. More specifically, supported employment uses eight guiding principles, which distinguishes it from other vocational support programs:
• Every person who wants to work is eligible.
• Competitive jobs are the goal.
• Supported employment services are integrated with mental health services.
• Personalized benefits counseling is provided (to address concerns about potential loss of health benefits and disability payments).
• The job search starts soon after a person expresses interest in working (there is no requirement of readiness other than interest).
• Employment specialists build relationships with employers (individuals receive more than employment leads).
• Individualized job supports are time unlimited (before and during employment).
• Individual preferences are honored (this effectively focuses the job search on positions that use individual’s strengths and skills and that are aligned with his or her interests).
C. Vocational rehabilitation focuses on career counseling, job-seeking skills, training, and assistance navigating job markets.
D. Work Conditioning: The occupational therapist uses a systematic approach to restore the performance skills of workers recovering from long-term injury or illness. There is a focus on restoring musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as safely performing work tasks. This is typically achieved through work simulation and individualized interventions to improve physical capacity.
An OT practitioner is leading a group in an in-patient mental health facility. The State in which this OT practitioner is working, has a policy on universal masking which requires mask-wearing by all personnel and patients in healthcare facilities. As the group session is about to begin, a patient removes their mask citing that they are claustrophobic and they therefore refuse to wear a mask during the session. What is the BEST way for the OT practitioner to react in this scenario?
B. Offer the patient a face shield.
Some patients may express a medical reason for refusing to wear a mask. Patients with a mental health illness, those with claustrophobia, or autism may find wearing a mask distressing. Inpatients with altered mental status may also find it challenging to wear a mask. Healthcare professionals can seek to accommodate patients who need in-person care and have a legitimate medical reason for not wearing a mask by offering a face shield. This mechanism of reducing viral transmission may offer protection while providing a more acceptable alternative to patients.
Some may argue that healthcare professionals have a moral obligation to treat all patients and that the provision of care should not depend on what a patient wears. However, the duty to care has limits. When patients’ behavior poses a risk to healthcare workers and other patients, clinicians are justified in restricting the provision of care. When a patient is disruptive, abusive, or persistently non-adherent, healthcare professionals are ethically justified in terminating the patient-clinician relationship. Similarly, as long as a patient is not in need of acute care, healthcare professionals are ethically justified in refusing to provide in-person care to patients who refuse to wear a face covering. So how should healthcare professionals respond when patients refuse to wear a face mask? First, it is recommended to engage patients to understand their perspective and why they are reluctant to wear a mask. Second, there is an opportunity to educate patients and reinforce the reasons for wearing a mask. These reasons include safeguarding their own health, the safety of healthcare workers, and the safety of other patients. Invoking a civic obligation and the common good as part of the responsibility we all share in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 may resonate with patients. In many cases, this simple conversation may diffuse the situation, leading to adherence with masking guidelines.
Some patients may not have a legitimate medical reason for refusing to wear a mask and concern for their own well-being or the safety of others may not be sufficient to persuade them to wear a mask. Under such circumstances, patients who do not have an acute medical need should be offered virtual medical care or the option of rescheduling their appointment. Healthcare professionals have quickly transitioned to telehealth and it is clear that many clinical concerns can be addressed through this mode of healthcare delivery.
Responding to Patients Who Refuse to Wear Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Published: 27 October 2020
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06323-x
B. Offer the patient a face shield.
Some patients may express a medical reason for refusing to wear a mask. Patients with a mental health illness, those with claustrophobia, or autism may find wearing a mask distressing. Inpatients with altered mental status may also find it challenging to wear a mask. Healthcare professionals can seek to accommodate patients who need in-person care and have a legitimate medical reason for not wearing a mask by offering a face shield. This mechanism of reducing viral transmission may offer protection while providing a more acceptable alternative to patients.
Some may argue that healthcare professionals have a moral obligation to treat all patients and that the provision of care should not depend on what a patient wears. However, the duty to care has limits. When patients’ behavior poses a risk to healthcare workers and other patients, clinicians are justified in restricting the provision of care. When a patient is disruptive, abusive, or persistently non-adherent, healthcare professionals are ethically justified in terminating the patient-clinician relationship. Similarly, as long as a patient is not in need of acute care, healthcare professionals are ethically justified in refusing to provide in-person care to patients who refuse to wear a face covering. So how should healthcare professionals respond when patients refuse to wear a face mask? First, it is recommended to engage patients to understand their perspective and why they are reluctant to wear a mask. Second, there is an opportunity to educate patients and reinforce the reasons for wearing a mask. These reasons include safeguarding their own health, the safety of healthcare workers, and the safety of other patients. Invoking a civic obligation and the common good as part of the responsibility we all share in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 may resonate with patients. In many cases, this simple conversation may diffuse the situation, leading to adherence with masking guidelines.
Some patients may not have a legitimate medical reason for refusing to wear a mask and concern for their own well-being or the safety of others may not be sufficient to persuade them to wear a mask. Under such circumstances, patients who do not have an acute medical need should be offered virtual medical care or the option of rescheduling their appointment. Healthcare professionals have quickly transitioned to telehealth and it is clear that many clinical concerns can be addressed through this mode of healthcare delivery.
Responding to Patients Who Refuse to Wear Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Published: 27 October 2020
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06323-x
A middle aged man who has been diagnosed with substance abuse becomes increasingly agitated and storms out of the room to get a cigarette while completing a fairly simple task. What is this most likely behavior indicative of?
B. Poor stress management. A patient diagnosed with substance abuse is likely to have difficulties with stress.
Treatment interventions include:
-Identify reasons for substance abuse
-Developing coping skills
-Developing skills for drug-free lifestyle
-Assisting with concrete services
B. Poor stress management. A patient diagnosed with substance abuse is likely to have difficulties with stress.
Treatment interventions include:
-Identify reasons for substance abuse
-Developing coping skills
-Developing skills for drug-free lifestyle
-Assisting with concrete services
What is the BEST response when a patient diagnosed with dementia, becomes upset and cries for his mother who passed away many years ago?
A. “You must miss your mother, tell me about her”. It is important to validate the person’s feelings and allow them to reminisce.
‐ Facilitate memory with familiar objects.
A. “You must miss your mother, tell me about her”. It is important to validate the person’s feelings and allow them to reminisce.
‐ Facilitate memory with familiar objects.
According to Mosey, what type of developmental group provides the BEST structure to help parents who have recently lost a child, to come together to express and share their thoughts and feelings about their experience?
C. Cooperative group.A Cooperative Group provides an environment for group members to openly share emotions, challenges and shared intentions. This type of group is about sharing and listening. The OT practitioner should not focus on completing a goal or changing behavior. The goal is simply to gain the satisfaction of a mutual experience.
Mosey’s 5 developmental groups:
1. Parallel
2. Project
3. Egocentric – Cooperative
4. Cooperative
5. Mature
A. The main goal of a Project Group is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner will encourage cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing.
B. Egocentric-Cooperative group- Group members collaborate to complete a specific task in a long-term setting. Each group member is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skillset.
D. A Parallel Group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks
PTOT. Module 6. Types of Groups- 5 Types of Developmental Groups. https://passtheot.com/5-types-groups/
C. Cooperative group.A Cooperative Group provides an environment for group members to openly share emotions, challenges and shared intentions. This type of group is about sharing and listening. The OT practitioner should not focus on completing a goal or changing behavior. The goal is simply to gain the satisfaction of a mutual experience.
Mosey’s 5 developmental groups:
1. Parallel
2. Project
3. Egocentric – Cooperative
4. Cooperative
5. Mature
A. The main goal of a Project Group is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner will encourage cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing.
B. Egocentric-Cooperative group- Group members collaborate to complete a specific task in a long-term setting. Each group member is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skillset.
D. A Parallel Group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks
PTOT. Module 6. Types of Groups- 5 Types of Developmental Groups. https://passtheot.com/5-types-groups/
When using the Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS), the task difficulty jumps from an ACL 4.4 to an ACL 5.8 when the single cordovan is introduced. What opportunity does this jump create for the OTA?
B. To observe learning without a demonstration.
The jump occurs as an outcome of creating an opportunity to observe learning without a demonstration.
The Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS) is one of the tools in the Allen Battery. Also known as the leather lacing tool and the leather lacing test, the ACLS gives you a quick measure of a person’s global cognitive processing capacities, learning potential, and performance and problem-solving abilities.
http://allen-cognitive-levels.com/acls.htm
B. To observe learning without a demonstration.
The jump occurs as an outcome of creating an opportunity to observe learning without a demonstration.
The Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS) is one of the tools in the Allen Battery. Also known as the leather lacing tool and the leather lacing test, the ACLS gives you a quick measure of a person’s global cognitive processing capacities, learning potential, and performance and problem-solving abilities.
http://allen-cognitive-levels.com/acls.htm
Which of the following environments is best for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?
B. Quiet and structured.
Patients with schizophrenia need a safe, quiet, and structured environment, especially if they are experiencing psychosis.
Treatment for a patient with schizophrenia:
Early steps of treatment – one on one to build relationship
Groups – builds social skills
Example of a time and cost-effective treatment: OT visiting rooms on an inpatient unit with grooming supplies – brief contact paves way for sustained one on one and group activities.
People who display positive symptoms benefit from activities that divert attention away from symptoms. Activities that bolster the sense of achievement and mastery are most successful in coping with hallucinations.
For people with negative symptoms, specific skill training and psychoeducation are very beneficial. They need highly structured activities.
Improving quality of life is the main objective.
Themes in quality of life:
– Managing time
– Connecting and belonging
– Making choices and maintaining control
B. Quiet and structured.
Patients with schizophrenia need a safe, quiet, and structured environment, especially if they are experiencing psychosis.
Treatment for a patient with schizophrenia:
Early steps of treatment – one on one to build relationship
Groups – builds social skills
Example of a time and cost-effective treatment: OT visiting rooms on an inpatient unit with grooming supplies – brief contact paves way for sustained one on one and group activities.
People who display positive symptoms benefit from activities that divert attention away from symptoms. Activities that bolster the sense of achievement and mastery are most successful in coping with hallucinations.
For people with negative symptoms, specific skill training and psychoeducation are very beneficial. They need highly structured activities.
Improving quality of life is the main objective.
Themes in quality of life:
– Managing time
– Connecting and belonging
– Making choices and maintaining control
A patient who has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia begins experiencing hallucinations after picking up a cup of juice. What is the role of the OTA at this point?
A. Redirect him to the task.When the patient’s hallucinations started, he lost his connection with reality. Redirecting him to the task can help him to regain his orientation to his surroundings and his connection to the real world.
A. Redirect him to the task.When the patient’s hallucinations started, he lost his connection with reality. Redirecting him to the task can help him to regain his orientation to his surroundings and his connection to the real world.
Which approach often includes a homework component and utilizes a teacher-student format as opposed to learning by doing approach?
A. Psychoeducational approach .
Psychoeducation refers to the education offered to individuals with a mental health condition and their families to help empower them and deal with their condition in an optimal way. Frequently psychoeducational training involves individuals with schizophrenia, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, eating disorders, and personality disorders, as well as patient training courses in the context of the treatment of physical illnesses. Family members are also included. A goal is for the consumer to understand and be better able to deal with the presented illness. Also, the patient’s own capabilities, resources and coping skills are strengthened and used to contribute to their own health and wellbeing on a long-term basis.
A. Psychoeducational approach .
Psychoeducation refers to the education offered to individuals with a mental health condition and their families to help empower them and deal with their condition in an optimal way. Frequently psychoeducational training involves individuals with schizophrenia, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, eating disorders, and personality disorders, as well as patient training courses in the context of the treatment of physical illnesses. Family members are also included. A goal is for the consumer to understand and be better able to deal with the presented illness. Also, the patient’s own capabilities, resources and coping skills are strengthened and used to contribute to their own health and wellbeing on a long-term basis.
A middle-aged female who recently joined a day program for adults with mental disabilities has difficulty participating in several group activities. The OTA suspects that the patient may be experiencing anxiety during these group activities. How can the OTA determine if the patient is showing signs of anxiety during the group sessions?
A. The OTA should watch to see if the patient is biting her nails and/or pulling her hair.
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or worry associated with anticipation of future anger. Examples of a patient feeling anxiety in a session would be observing them biting their nails, pulling their hair, tapping their feet, etc.
A. The OTA should watch to see if the patient is biting her nails and/or pulling her hair.
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or worry associated with anticipation of future anger. Examples of a patient feeling anxiety in a session would be observing them biting their nails, pulling their hair, tapping their feet, etc.
An OTA is working with a patient who has a mild cognitive impairment. This patient lives alone and drives themselves to their OT appointments. At what ACL is this patient functioning?
B. Level 5.
Level 5 Exploratory Actions. Global cognition is mildly impaired
-New learning can occur
Level 5.6 – May drive.
Level 5.4 – May live alone.
B. Level 5.
Level 5 Exploratory Actions. Global cognition is mildly impaired
-New learning can occur
Level 5.6 – May drive.
Level 5.4 – May live alone.
An elderly female with a history of Alzheimer’s disease begins showing signs of increased confusion while being admitted to an Alzheimer’s unit. What recommendation should the OTA provide to help support this patient with her transition into a new environment?
B. Recommend family members bring familiar photos to the patient’s room.
Confusion is one of the most common dementia behaviors in the elderly. Often, dementia behaviors like confusion are exacerbated after an individual with dementia moves to a new environment as this disrupts their routine. Pictures might trigger a memory and lead to less confusion.
B. Recommend family members bring familiar photos to the patient’s room.
Confusion is one of the most common dementia behaviors in the elderly. Often, dementia behaviors like confusion are exacerbated after an individual with dementia moves to a new environment as this disrupts their routine. Pictures might trigger a memory and lead to less confusion.
In which type of activity group is the main focus on facilitating self-awareness and awareness of others?
D. Task-Oriented group.
Awareness- The intent of this type of group is to provide a shared work experience where the members can be assisted in becoming aware of their needs, values, ideas, and feelings through the performance of a shared task. Self-awareness and awareness of others through task and interactions with group members
A. Thematic Group – Learning. Learn skills for specific activity, learning is facilitated by practicing and experiencing needed behavior.
B. Topical group – Independence. Goals and skills for independence in community
C. Instrumental Group – Maintenance. Maintaining level of function and wellness
D. Task-Oriented group.
Awareness- The intent of this type of group is to provide a shared work experience where the members can be assisted in becoming aware of their needs, values, ideas, and feelings through the performance of a shared task. Self-awareness and awareness of others through task and interactions with group members
A. Thematic Group – Learning. Learn skills for specific activity, learning is facilitated by practicing and experiencing needed behavior.
B. Topical group – Independence. Goals and skills for independence in community
C. Instrumental Group – Maintenance. Maintaining level of function and wellness
After a recent suicide attempt, a 27-year-old male patient who has been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, has been admitted to an inpatient mental health facility. While at the facility, the patient approaches an OTA whom he recognizes from his previous admissions to the facility, and he asks the OTA to meet him privately because he has something important to tell her. In this scenario, how should the OTA react?
D. Refer the patient to his primary mental health therapist.
If a patient tells you after a suicide attempt that he wants to see you privately, it is the OTA’s duty to refer the patient to the primary therapist. Patients with borderline personality disorders often engage in manipulative behavior with staff. It is up to staff members to control this type of behavior by communicating clear, consistent expectations to the patient and keeping other team members informed.
D. Refer the patient to his primary mental health therapist.
If a patient tells you after a suicide attempt that he wants to see you privately, it is the OTA’s duty to refer the patient to the primary therapist. Patients with borderline personality disorders often engage in manipulative behavior with staff. It is up to staff members to control this type of behavior by communicating clear, consistent expectations to the patient and keeping other team members informed.
An OT practitioner is working with several homeless people at a local church. During group sessions, what should the OT practitioner focus on to help these individuals re-integrate into the community?
A. Community resources.
Working on getting homeless people re- integrated into the community would include identifying resources for food, clothing, and shelter.
A. Community resources.
Working on getting homeless people re- integrated into the community would include identifying resources for food, clothing, and shelter.
What type of group incorporates members who are able to take on a variety of roles, including task and group maintenance roles, in response to changing conditions?
C. Mature group.
Mature group members also participate in various clubs and groups. These members are of both sexes, come from different backgrounds, and have different interests and skills.
C. Mature group.
Mature group members also participate in various clubs and groups. These members are of both sexes, come from different backgrounds, and have different interests and skills.
An OTR® and COTA® are collaboratively running a leisure group with senior adults who are aged 70 years and older. All group members are functioning at the same cognitive level and have equal communication abilities. The goal of the group is to enhance social interaction and promote relaxation. The clinicians decide to use a game as the group activity, with an emphasis on giving all members a fun experience with an equal opportunity of winning. Which type of game would be MOST APPROPRIATE to meet the goals of this specific group?
B. A game of Icebreaker Bingo.
An icebreaker Bingo game would be appropriate because it satisfies the goal of leisure and social interaction in which members must interact and match a description that satisfies a square on the Bingo card. All players have an equal chance of winning with this game.
A. This game would depend on the use of social media which all members may not have access to.
C and D. Requires skill and is very competitive.
https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/ice-breaker-bingo
Early, Mary Beth. (2009) Mental Health Concepts & Techniques for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (4th Edition). Baltimore, MD.: Walters Kluwer, pp 532-533.
B. A game of Icebreaker Bingo.
An icebreaker Bingo game would be appropriate because it satisfies the goal of leisure and social interaction in which members must interact and match a description that satisfies a square on the Bingo card. All players have an equal chance of winning with this game.
A. This game would depend on the use of social media which all members may not have access to.
C and D. Requires skill and is very competitive.
https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/ice-breaker-bingo
Early, Mary Beth. (2009) Mental Health Concepts & Techniques for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (4th Edition). Baltimore, MD.: Walters Kluwer, pp 532-533.
A young adult with a moderate intellectual disability has been referred to an inpatient psychiatric unit for treatment of self-injurious behavior which began after learning that the group home in which he was living, was being closed. The young man has responded positively to treatment and upon discharge, will be living with his parents until a new group home is located. What advice should be given to the parents in terms of how they should manage their child while he is living in their home?
D. Balance the patient’s day with familiar valued tasks. By early adulthood, the majority of individuals who have an intellectual disability are able to complete familiar functional and leisure activities. It is important to maintain familiar routines to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence of psychiatric response to change. Routines should be balanced and based on the individual’s skills and interests.
D. Balance the patient’s day with familiar valued tasks. By early adulthood, the majority of individuals who have an intellectual disability are able to complete familiar functional and leisure activities. It is important to maintain familiar routines to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence of psychiatric response to change. Routines should be balanced and based on the individual’s skills and interests.
A patient who has been diagnosed with major depression has recently been admitted to an inpatient mental health facility. During this depressive episode, the patient reports that he is experiencing the following symptoms: difficulty concentrating, an inability to find pleasure in any type of activity, difficulty prioritizing and planning tasks, and feelings of incompetence. Which type of intervention is the MOST appropriate to incorporate into this patient’s intervention plan at this stage of his illness?
C. Identify purposeful short term goals. Occupational therapists need to focus on assisting the patient in finding gratifying activities that improve self-esteem and increase motivation. For this reason it is critical to involve the patient in setting realistic short-term goals. Re-engagement in valued activities that allow the patient to experience success and feelings of competence should be the first intervention strategy.
Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.
The definition of a depressive episode is a period of depression that persists for at least two weeks. During a depressive episode, a person will typically experience low or depressed mood and/or loss of interest in most activities, as well as a number of other symptoms of depression, such as tiredness, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death. The length of a depressive episode varies, but the average duration is thought to be six to eight months. The severity of a depressive episode varies; it may be classified as major or minor, depending on the number of symptoms and degree of impairment (social, domestic and work) experienced.
C. Identify purposeful short term goals. Occupational therapists need to focus on assisting the patient in finding gratifying activities that improve self-esteem and increase motivation. For this reason it is critical to involve the patient in setting realistic short-term goals. Re-engagement in valued activities that allow the patient to experience success and feelings of competence should be the first intervention strategy.
Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.
The definition of a depressive episode is a period of depression that persists for at least two weeks. During a depressive episode, a person will typically experience low or depressed mood and/or loss of interest in most activities, as well as a number of other symptoms of depression, such as tiredness, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death. The length of a depressive episode varies, but the average duration is thought to be six to eight months. The severity of a depressive episode varies; it may be classified as major or minor, depending on the number of symptoms and degree of impairment (social, domestic and work) experienced.
What term BEST describes the defense mechanism which is illustrated when a patient who has been diagnosed with Alcohol use disorder is unable to realize that their drinking is the source of their problems?
B. Denial.
Denial is a defense mechanism which involves a refusal to accept reality. Denial is a failure to acknowledge the existence of some aspect of reality that is apparent to others (e.g., an alcoholic unable to acknowledge that his/her problems are because of drinking). Addiction is one of the best-known examples of denial. People who are living with a substance use problem will often flat-out deny that their behavior is problematic. In other cases, they might admit that they do use drugs or alcohol but will claim that their substance use is not problematic.
Alcohol use disorder (which includes a level that’s sometimes called alcoholism) is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
A. Sublimation is a defense mechanism that allows us to act out unacceptable impulses by converting these behaviors into a more acceptable form. For example, a person experiencing extreme anger might take up kick-boxing as a means of venting frustration.
C. Repression acts to keep information out of conscious awareness. However, these memories don’t just disappear; they continue to influence our behavior. For example, a person who has repressed memories of abuse suffered as a child may later have difficulty forming relationships.
D. When confronted by stressful events, people sometimes abandon coping strategies and revert to patterns of behavior used earlier in development.
B. Denial.
Denial is a defense mechanism which involves a refusal to accept reality. Denial is a failure to acknowledge the existence of some aspect of reality that is apparent to others (e.g., an alcoholic unable to acknowledge that his/her problems are because of drinking). Addiction is one of the best-known examples of denial. People who are living with a substance use problem will often flat-out deny that their behavior is problematic. In other cases, they might admit that they do use drugs or alcohol but will claim that their substance use is not problematic.
Alcohol use disorder (which includes a level that’s sometimes called alcoholism) is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
A. Sublimation is a defense mechanism that allows us to act out unacceptable impulses by converting these behaviors into a more acceptable form. For example, a person experiencing extreme anger might take up kick-boxing as a means of venting frustration.
C. Repression acts to keep information out of conscious awareness. However, these memories don’t just disappear; they continue to influence our behavior. For example, a person who has repressed memories of abuse suffered as a child may later have difficulty forming relationships.
D. When confronted by stressful events, people sometimes abandon coping strategies and revert to patterns of behavior used earlier in development.
If a patient with acute mania gets frustrated and becomes verbally abusive toward you during treatment, what should your FIRST response be?
A. Remind the patient of the appropriate boundaries in the therapeutic relationship. When a patient is having a manic episode, an important role for the occupational therapist is monitoring behavioral changes, and providing a structured environment in which behavior can be managed. Mood lability is a common characteristic during this acute phase. The patient may be expansive and grandiose one minute, angry and hostile the next. The individual may be oblivious to the behavior and totally unaware there is a problem. The patient needs to have the behavior pointed out and limits need to be reinforced.
A. Remind the patient of the appropriate boundaries in the therapeutic relationship. When a patient is having a manic episode, an important role for the occupational therapist is monitoring behavioral changes, and providing a structured environment in which behavior can be managed. Mood lability is a common characteristic during this acute phase. The patient may be expansive and grandiose one minute, angry and hostile the next. The individual may be oblivious to the behavior and totally unaware there is a problem. The patient needs to have the behavior pointed out and limits need to be reinforced.
A COTA® is working with a group of preschoolers who all present with delayed fine motor skills. The selected activity involves having the children ice a piece of a cake and decorate it with small edible toppings. Once all the children have completed the task, the pieces are placed together like a puzzle, to form a whole cake. What type of developmental group is the COTA® using to achieve the goals of the group?
C. Project. Members are involved in a short-term task with the main emphasis on accomplishment. Main goal is to enhance cooperation and help group members feel comfortable with each other. OT encourages healthy cooperation, competition, and sharing. (Ages 2 to 4).
A. Parallel- Focus is on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks Patients are involved in their own individual task with little interaction between members. (Ages 18 months to two years).
B. Cooperative- Group members share emotions, challenges, and share intentions. This type of group is about sharing and listening. (Ages 9 to 12).
D. No such group as a “Horizontal” group.
C. Project. Members are involved in a short-term task with the main emphasis on accomplishment. Main goal is to enhance cooperation and help group members feel comfortable with each other. OT encourages healthy cooperation, competition, and sharing. (Ages 2 to 4).
A. Parallel- Focus is on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks Patients are involved in their own individual task with little interaction between members. (Ages 18 months to two years).
B. Cooperative- Group members share emotions, challenges, and share intentions. This type of group is about sharing and listening. (Ages 9 to 12).
D. No such group as a “Horizontal” group.
When working with a patient who has recently been prescribed anti-psychotic medication, what is the most important precaution this patient should adhere to as they begin a vocational retraining program with a landscaping company?
A. Photosensitivity. A patient on antipsychotic medication needs to be educated about the use of sunblock and protective clothing due to the increased risk of sunburn when taking the medication. This is critical for a patient working for a landscaping company where prolonged sun exposure is inherent in the job.
A. Photosensitivity. A patient on antipsychotic medication needs to be educated about the use of sunblock and protective clothing due to the increased risk of sunburn when taking the medication. This is critical for a patient working for a landscaping company where prolonged sun exposure is inherent in the job.
What is the best course of action to take when a patient with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) suddenly screams at another patient for not following the directions at the beginning of a mental health five-person crafting group session?
Use techniques to de-escalate the situation
Diagnoses and Presenting Problems
OT – help with the diagnoses of mood, anxiety, substance-related, eating, conduct, oppositional defiant, those living in violent environments, separation anxiety disorder, mental retardation, developmental disorders, ADD
Structure and Consistency
Help with problems of impulse control and difficulty modulating their emotions. Provide structure by: stating the rules of an activity or group in the beginning, choosing someone to be the timekeeper through the activity (jewelry making, CD burning)
Redirection – going from one activity to the next
Use techniques to de-escalate the situation
Diagnoses and Presenting Problems
OT – help with the diagnoses of mood, anxiety, substance-related, eating, conduct, oppositional defiant, those living in violent environments, separation anxiety disorder, mental retardation, developmental disorders, ADD
Structure and Consistency
Help with problems of impulse control and difficulty modulating their emotions. Provide structure by: stating the rules of an activity or group in the beginning, choosing someone to be the timekeeper through the activity (jewelry making, CD burning)
Redirection – going from one activity to the next
An OT practitioner is working with several patients who have GAD on developing ways to manage their anxiety. Which cognitive-behavioral intervention strategy would be best to incorporate into their OT sessions?
A. Teach the patients to replace thoughts of anxiety with calm thoughts.
The cognitive-behavioral approach involves the patient consciously replacing incorrect thoughts and fears with positive or correct thoughts, resulting in a change in emotional response.
A. Teach the patients to replace thoughts of anxiety with calm thoughts.
The cognitive-behavioral approach involves the patient consciously replacing incorrect thoughts and fears with positive or correct thoughts, resulting in a change in emotional response.
Which of the following activities should an OTA focus on FIRST when working with a 25-year-old woman who, after being physically assaulted during a home robbery, is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? The patient reports persistent symptoms of anxiety, interrupted sleep, and hypervigilance which are affecting her ability to function.
A. Facilitate expression of emotion and promote relaxation.
Depending on the severity of the disorder, function may be minimally or severely impaired. If the trauma occurred in a place that is difficult to avoid, it may become quite disabling. First, an effort should be made to promote relaxation so patients develop the ability to concentrate on functional tasks. Likewise, allowing the patient to express emotion is valuable in reducing anxiety. As anxiety is resolved, attention should shift to restoring participation in valued activities.
A. Facilitate expression of emotion and promote relaxation.
Depending on the severity of the disorder, function may be minimally or severely impaired. If the trauma occurred in a place that is difficult to avoid, it may become quite disabling. First, an effort should be made to promote relaxation so patients develop the ability to concentrate on functional tasks. Likewise, allowing the patient to express emotion is valuable in reducing anxiety. As anxiety is resolved, attention should shift to restoring participation in valued activities.
A COTA® is working with a 60 year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and subsequently had to have a left mastectomy. The focus of therapy is to help the patient accept and adapt to the new physical changes to her body, while she regains independence in her ADLs. As she is dressing, the patient looks into the mirror and states, “I am not ready to see my grandchildren this afternoon”, and turns away from the mirror. How should the COTA® react in this situation?
C. Ask questions to gain insight into the patient’s perspective on her body image.
It is important to get a sense of how the patient is feeling about her body and how you as the therapist, can help her come to terms with what has happened to her body. Only by understanding what triggered her behaviour, will you get a sense of what adaptations you may need make for her.
C. Ask questions to gain insight into the patient’s perspective on her body image.
It is important to get a sense of how the patient is feeling about her body and how you as the therapist, can help her come to terms with what has happened to her body. Only by understanding what triggered her behaviour, will you get a sense of what adaptations you may need make for her.
A 42-year-old man who has been diagnosed with GAD has been admitted to an inpatient mental health facility. The patient is an accountant by profession, and he has expressed his desire to return to work as soon as possible, but on modified duty. In order to facilitate the process of the patient achieving this goal, he is placed in an assertiveness training group as part of his initial therapy. By placing the patient in this type of group, what is the expected outcome for this patient?
C. Express clearly his expectations in a polite manner that is considerate of other people’s opinions.
Assertiveness is the ability to state one’s needs, thoughts, and feelings in an appropriate way while respecting the rights of others. In an assertiveness training group, the patient will learn to identify irrational beliefs and fears about social situations through practice via role-playing. This will help prepare the patient to request modified duty from his employer as well as teach him coping skills for his GAD.
A. Is an outcome associated with memory to improve work performance.
B and D. These are outcomes associated with social interaction skills training including appropriate communication and social conduct but do not have an assertiveness component to social interaction.
Early, Mary Beth. (2009) Mental Health Concepts & Techniques for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (4th Edition). Baltimore, MD.: Walters Kluwer, pp 543.
Reed, Kathlyn. (2001) Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, p 763.
C. Express clearly his expectations in a polite manner that is considerate of other people’s opinions.
Assertiveness is the ability to state one’s needs, thoughts, and feelings in an appropriate way while respecting the rights of others. In an assertiveness training group, the patient will learn to identify irrational beliefs and fears about social situations through practice via role-playing. This will help prepare the patient to request modified duty from his employer as well as teach him coping skills for his GAD.
A. Is an outcome associated with memory to improve work performance.
B and D. These are outcomes associated with social interaction skills training including appropriate communication and social conduct but do not have an assertiveness component to social interaction.
Early, Mary Beth. (2009) Mental Health Concepts & Techniques for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (4th Edition). Baltimore, MD.: Walters Kluwer, pp 543.
Reed, Kathlyn. (2001) Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, p 763.
What is NOT recommended as an intervention strategy to address wandering for a person with dementia?
D. Approach the person by tapping them on the shoulder from behind in order to immediately redirect him or her.
The OTA should approach the person from the front at eye level. Immediate and sudden surprising approaches may increase confusion. Rearranging furniture and covering doors with wallpaper are appropriate ways to decrease wandering. Using calm and simple words in almost any instance while working with a patient with dementia is appropriate.
Wandering can happen, even if you are the most diligent of caregivers. Use the following strategies to help lower the chances:
• Having a routine can provide structure.
• Identify the most likely times of day that wandering may occur. Plan activities at that time. Activities and exercise can reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness.
• Reassure the person if they feel lost, abandoned or disoriented. If the person with dementia wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” use communication focused on exploration and validation. Refrain from correcting the person. For example, “We are staying here tonight. We are safe and I’ll be with you. We can go home in the morning after a good night’s rest.”
• Ensure all basic needs are met. Has the person gone to the bathroom? Is he or she thirsty or hungry?
• Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation. This could be a shopping malls, grocery stores or other busy venues.
• Disguise exit doors using murals. Place locks out of the line of sight. Install either high or low on exterior doors, and consider placing slide bolts at the top or bottom.
• Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened. This can be as simple as a bell placed above a door or as sophisticated as an electronic home alarm.
• Eliminate overstimulation, such as visible doors that people use frequently; noise; and clutter.
• Prevent under-stimulation by offering activities that engage the interest of people with dementia. Activities could include music, art, physical exercise, mental stimulation, therapeutic touch, pets, or gardening.
• Provide+ a safe, uncluttered path for people to wander that has points of interest and places to rest.
• Use signage to orient the individual to the environment, such as indicating where toilets and bedrooms are.
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering
https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/triage/BH-Brief-WanderingExit-Seeking.pdf
D. Approach the person by tapping them on the shoulder from behind in order to immediately redirect him or her.
The OTA should approach the person from the front at eye level. Immediate and sudden surprising approaches may increase confusion. Rearranging furniture and covering doors with wallpaper are appropriate ways to decrease wandering. Using calm and simple words in almost any instance while working with a patient with dementia is appropriate.
Wandering can happen, even if you are the most diligent of caregivers. Use the following strategies to help lower the chances:
• Having a routine can provide structure.
• Identify the most likely times of day that wandering may occur. Plan activities at that time. Activities and exercise can reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness.
• Reassure the person if they feel lost, abandoned or disoriented. If the person with dementia wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” use communication focused on exploration and validation. Refrain from correcting the person. For example, “We are staying here tonight. We are safe and I’ll be with you. We can go home in the morning after a good night’s rest.”
• Ensure all basic needs are met. Has the person gone to the bathroom? Is he or she thirsty or hungry?
• Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation. This could be a shopping malls, grocery stores or other busy venues.
• Disguise exit doors using murals. Place locks out of the line of sight. Install either high or low on exterior doors, and consider placing slide bolts at the top or bottom.
• Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened. This can be as simple as a bell placed above a door or as sophisticated as an electronic home alarm.
• Eliminate overstimulation, such as visible doors that people use frequently; noise; and clutter.
• Prevent under-stimulation by offering activities that engage the interest of people with dementia. Activities could include music, art, physical exercise, mental stimulation, therapeutic touch, pets, or gardening.
• Provide+ a safe, uncluttered path for people to wander that has points of interest and places to rest.
• Use signage to orient the individual to the environment, such as indicating where toilets and bedrooms are.
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering
https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/triage/BH-Brief-WanderingExit-Seeking.pdf
To help develop insight necessary for growth and change, what kind of therapy is especially effective for treating depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, personality disorders, somatoform disorder, and anorexia?
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT can help change a person’s thinking to ultimately change their behavior. Some interventions include:
• Intervention goals designed to help the client monitor negative thoughts
• Assist the client in identifying current problems and potential solutions
• Help the client identify distorted or unhelpful thinking patterns
• Facilitating the client’s role in the therapeutic process by frequently providing homework and structured assignments
• Behavioral techniques include: Scheduling activities (increasing mastery; grading tasks to ensure success)
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT can help change a person’s thinking to ultimately change their behavior. Some interventions include:
• Intervention goals designed to help the client monitor negative thoughts
• Assist the client in identifying current problems and potential solutions
• Help the client identify distorted or unhelpful thinking patterns
• Facilitating the client’s role in the therapeutic process by frequently providing homework and structured assignments
• Behavioral techniques include: Scheduling activities (increasing mastery; grading tasks to ensure success)
An OT practitioner is leading a group session in a mental health setting. Suddenly, one of the group members who is wearing eyeglasses and a medical bracelet begins to cry out and their body movements become uncontrolled and jerky. In this situation, what are the MOST important actions the OT practitioner should take? Select the 3 best answers.
C. Ease the patient gently to the floor.
D. Remove the patient’s eyeglasses.
E. Turn the patient gently onto their side.
The patient is demonstrating classic symptoms of a grand mal seizure. It is important to remember that in any mental health setting, patients may also have medical conditions. In this scenario, the fact that the patient is wearing a medical alert bracelet, warns that the patient has a medical condition in addition to their mental health problems.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure- the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.
What to do to help someone who is having this type of seizure:
• Ease the person to the floor.
• Turn the person gently onto one side. This will help the person breathe.
• Clear the area around the person of anything hard or sharp. This can prevent injury.
• Put something soft and flat, like a folded jacket, under his or her head.
• Remove eyeglasses.
• Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make it hard to breathe.
• Time the seizure. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
C. Ease the patient gently to the floor.
D. Remove the patient’s eyeglasses.
E. Turn the patient gently onto their side.
The patient is demonstrating classic symptoms of a grand mal seizure. It is important to remember that in any mental health setting, patients may also have medical conditions. In this scenario, the fact that the patient is wearing a medical alert bracelet, warns that the patient has a medical condition in addition to their mental health problems.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure- the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.
What to do to help someone who is having this type of seizure:
• Ease the person to the floor.
• Turn the person gently onto one side. This will help the person breathe.
• Clear the area around the person of anything hard or sharp. This can prevent injury.
• Put something soft and flat, like a folded jacket, under his or her head.
• Remove eyeglasses.
• Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make it hard to breathe.
• Time the seizure. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
An OT practitioner is planning on leading a parallel group for patients in a long-term care facility. When setting-up for the group session, what are the MOST important preparations the OT practitioner should consider? Select the 3 best answers.
A. Have the resources out and ready on the table for the group members.
B. Activities should be selected so that each member participates in their own activity.
D. Arrangement of the chairs and tables should be determined by the group leader.
The key to leading a Parallel Group is providing structure.
A Parallel Group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks. The OT practitioner is required to provide the structure, task, and emotional/social support for the members. Members in a parallel group need to be able to appreciate and accept each other. Each member will work on their own task while in the presence of the other members.
Having the resources out and ready on the table sends a clear message of what is expected in the session gives the OT practitioner time to settle everyone into the activity rather than running around getting all the resources out. Chairs and tables should be set out the way the OT practitioner wants it as this shows the members where you want them to sit.
C. A Project group’s goal is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner encourages cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing in this type of group.
F. Group members collaborate to complete a specific task in a long-term setting in an Egocentric-Cooperative group.
A. Have the resources out and ready on the table for the group members.
B. Activities should be selected so that each member participates in their own activity.
D. Arrangement of the chairs and tables should be determined by the group leader.
The key to leading a Parallel Group is providing structure.
A Parallel Group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks. The OT practitioner is required to provide the structure, task, and emotional/social support for the members. Members in a parallel group need to be able to appreciate and accept each other. Each member will work on their own task while in the presence of the other members.
Having the resources out and ready on the table sends a clear message of what is expected in the session gives the OT practitioner time to settle everyone into the activity rather than running around getting all the resources out. Chairs and tables should be set out the way the OT practitioner wants it as this shows the members where you want them to sit.
C. A Project group’s goal is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner encourages cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing in this type of group.
F. Group members collaborate to complete a specific task in a long-term setting in an Egocentric-Cooperative group.
An OT practitioner is planning a cooking activity group for teenagers who have social anxiety. The main goal of this group is to facilitate interaction between the group members. The group members will have to work together to complete recipes and will be encouraged to problem solve with other group members when planning and executing recipe steps. What type of activity group is being described?
D. Task-oriented group.
Task-Oriented group- The intent of this group is to provide a shared work experience where the members can be assisted in becoming aware of their needs, values, ideas, and feelings through the performance of a shared task. The members explore their thoughts and feelings while focusing on the problems which emerge in the process of choosing, planning, and implementing a group activity
A. Evaluation Group- This type of group exists only to allow the OT practitioner to observe the member’s behavior within a certain setting.
B. Topical Group- The group activity is a verbal discussion on an activity that members are engaged in or will become engaged in, in the future. The discussions aim to enable the group members to engage in their activities which occur outside of the group, more effectively.
D. Task-oriented group.
Task-Oriented group- The intent of this group is to provide a shared work experience where the members can be assisted in becoming aware of their needs, values, ideas, and feelings through the performance of a shared task. The members explore their thoughts and feelings while focusing on the problems which emerge in the process of choosing, planning, and implementing a group activity
A. Evaluation Group- This type of group exists only to allow the OT practitioner to observe the member’s behavior within a certain setting.
B. Topical Group- The group activity is a verbal discussion on an activity that members are engaged in or will become engaged in, in the future. The discussions aim to enable the group members to engage in their activities which occur outside of the group, more effectively.
Typically, what is the main focus of OT intervention when working with a patient who has progressed to the middle stages of dementia?
A. Home safety and staying engaged in meaningful tasks.
Enhancing function, promoting relationships and social participation, and finding ways for those with dementia to enjoy life are the keys to successful occupational therapy intervention (Schaber & Lieberman, 2010). Providing education and support for the family, care providers, and clients (as they are able to understand), and promoting the person’s strengths, will ensure that those with dementia and their care providers have the support needed to live life to its fullest.
In the early stages of dementia, when the person is having difficulty with higher-level executive skills, he or she may be referred to occupational therapy for evaluation and intervention to address driving, work, and safety. In the middle stages, home safety and staying engaged in personally meaningful tasks become the paramount focus. During the late stages, when the person may be having difficulty with basic ADLs (e.g., feeding, toileting, mobility) the focus may switch to decreasing caregiver burden and enhancing basic care (e.g., safe transfers, skin protection, avoiding contractures, enjoyable sensory stimulation).
Dementia and the Role of Occupational Therapy https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/MH/Facts/Dementia.ashx
A. Home safety and staying engaged in meaningful tasks.
Enhancing function, promoting relationships and social participation, and finding ways for those with dementia to enjoy life are the keys to successful occupational therapy intervention (Schaber & Lieberman, 2010). Providing education and support for the family, care providers, and clients (as they are able to understand), and promoting the person’s strengths, will ensure that those with dementia and their care providers have the support needed to live life to its fullest.
In the early stages of dementia, when the person is having difficulty with higher-level executive skills, he or she may be referred to occupational therapy for evaluation and intervention to address driving, work, and safety. In the middle stages, home safety and staying engaged in personally meaningful tasks become the paramount focus. During the late stages, when the person may be having difficulty with basic ADLs (e.g., feeding, toileting, mobility) the focus may switch to decreasing caregiver burden and enhancing basic care (e.g., safe transfers, skin protection, avoiding contractures, enjoyable sensory stimulation).
Dementia and the Role of Occupational Therapy https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/MH/Facts/Dementia.ashx
An OT practitioner is preparing to facilitate an art group with patients in a mental health setting. The group consists of 4 adolescent members who have been diagnosed with personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. When setting up the materials for the group, what is the MOST important factor the OT practitioner should consider?
B. Make sure there are no tools lying around that could be used for self-harm.
Self-harm is a common symptom of BPD and care should always be taken to keep the patients SAFE.
Features that typically begin in adolescence or young adulthood in patients with BPD include the following :
• Disturbances in experiencing oneself as unique, poor boundaries between self and others, and poor emotion regulation.
• An inability to soothe themselves adequately, resulting in excess emotional reactions to stresses and frustrations, maladaptive attempts at self-soothing, suicide threats, self-harm, and angry behavior
• An unstable sense of self with poor ability for self-direction and impaired ability to pursue meaningful short-term goals with satisfaction
• Marked instability in functioning, affect, mood, interpersonal relationships, and, at times, reality testing
• Disturbances in empathy and intimacy
• A pattern of impulsivity, risk taking, and poor self-image
B. Make sure there are no tools lying around that could be used for self-harm.
Self-harm is a common symptom of BPD and care should always be taken to keep the patients SAFE.
Features that typically begin in adolescence or young adulthood in patients with BPD include the following :
• Disturbances in experiencing oneself as unique, poor boundaries between self and others, and poor emotion regulation.
• An inability to soothe themselves adequately, resulting in excess emotional reactions to stresses and frustrations, maladaptive attempts at self-soothing, suicide threats, self-harm, and angry behavior
• An unstable sense of self with poor ability for self-direction and impaired ability to pursue meaningful short-term goals with satisfaction
• Marked instability in functioning, affect, mood, interpersonal relationships, and, at times, reality testing
• Disturbances in empathy and intimacy
• A pattern of impulsivity, risk taking, and poor self-image
A patient with moderate dementia has recently been admitted to the medical ward for care and the nursing staff are having difficulty managing her destructive behavior. The patient walks around the ward without a specific purpose and grabs onto any person she comes across, touches whatever she can get her hands on and repeatedly tries to pull the fire alarm. Confining her to her bed is not an option as she climbs over the bed rails which places her at risk of injuring herself. Which of the following strategies would be the BEST to advise the nursing staff to utilize to manage this patient’s behavior?
D. When the patient is walking around offer her some towels and ask her if she can help fold them.
Psychological symptoms and behavioral abnormalities are common and prominent characteristics of dementia. Patients diagnosed with dementia often respond literally to words. For example, if the fire alarm reads, “pull”, they may pull it. It is possible the patient needs a diversion to keep her hands busy. Attracting the patient’s attention by offering her a quiet, familiar job with repeated actions would reduce restlessness. Use of activities rather than verbal commands to re-orient the patient to reality
A. Telling her repeatedly not to pull the alarm can be embarrassing for the patient and may cause more agitation.
B. It is not within the scope of practice for an OT practitioner to recommend the use of physical restraints. Physical restraints should only be used when a patient poses a life-threatening risk or unmanageable disturbing behavior.
C. Working at the nurse’s station would not be an option as staff would need to continue to be vigilant about what she is doing and it would violate access to HIPAA data.
Byers-Connon, Sue; Padilla, René L., & Lohman, Helene. (Eds.) (2012) Occupational therapy with elders: Strategies for the COTA Maryland Heights, MO : Elsevier/Mosby, pp 277-280.
D. When the patient is walking around offer her some towels and ask her if she can help fold them.
Psychological symptoms and behavioral abnormalities are common and prominent characteristics of dementia. Patients diagnosed with dementia often respond literally to words. For example, if the fire alarm reads, “pull”, they may pull it. It is possible the patient needs a diversion to keep her hands busy. Attracting the patient’s attention by offering her a quiet, familiar job with repeated actions would reduce restlessness. Use of activities rather than verbal commands to re-orient the patient to reality
A. Telling her repeatedly not to pull the alarm can be embarrassing for the patient and may cause more agitation.
B. It is not within the scope of practice for an OT practitioner to recommend the use of physical restraints. Physical restraints should only be used when a patient poses a life-threatening risk or unmanageable disturbing behavior.
C. Working at the nurse’s station would not be an option as staff would need to continue to be vigilant about what she is doing and it would violate access to HIPAA data.
Byers-Connon, Sue; Padilla, René L., & Lohman, Helene. (Eds.) (2012) Occupational therapy with elders: Strategies for the COTA Maryland Heights, MO : Elsevier/Mosby, pp 277-280.
Carol, a 73-year-old resident of an assisted living facility was admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit after sustaining a right femoral fracture, 2 weeks ago. Carol has been diagnosed with Dementia and she is currently functioning at an ACL level of 3.8. She is ambulatory, using a FWW, and requires minimal assist with basic routine self-care. In order to alert the nursing staff that she needs to use the bathroom, Carol does not use the call button but instead, yells from her room that she needs to use the toilet. The case manager announces that Carol will be transferred to the next level of care in 2 days’ time. Which setting would be the most appropriate in terms of meeting Carol’s needs, based on her current level of functioning?
C. An adult group home or board and care.
Also known as group homes, residential care homes or adult foster care communities, these senior living facilities are common across the entire United States. It’s in California where they are commonly called “Board and Care”, provides assistance in basic self-care in a home environment in which there are 20 or less residents living in the home. The resident must not be exit-seeking and must be mobile with or without a mobility device.
A and B. Assisted living and long-term care requires that the patient be able to use the call button when necessary.
D. The patient has not had a history of eloping from a facility and the need for extensive supervision is not necessary as she requires only minimal assistance with basic ADLs. Memory care requires 24-hour supervision with 1-on-1 assistance due to memory loss.
https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers/what-are-my-other-long-term-care-choices
Waite, A. (2016). Safe Exit: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Discharge Planning. OT Practice, 21(11), 8–12.
C. An adult group home or board and care.
Also known as group homes, residential care homes or adult foster care communities, these senior living facilities are common across the entire United States. It’s in California where they are commonly called “Board and Care”, provides assistance in basic self-care in a home environment in which there are 20 or less residents living in the home. The resident must not be exit-seeking and must be mobile with or without a mobility device.
A and B. Assisted living and long-term care requires that the patient be able to use the call button when necessary.
D. The patient has not had a history of eloping from a facility and the need for extensive supervision is not necessary as she requires only minimal assistance with basic ADLs. Memory care requires 24-hour supervision with 1-on-1 assistance due to memory loss.
https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers/what-are-my-other-long-term-care-choices
Waite, A. (2016). Safe Exit: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Discharge Planning. OT Practice, 21(11), 8–12.
An COTA® has placed 4 patients who have been diagnosed with dementia and who are functioning between 4.2 to 4.6 on the ACL, in a cooking group. The selected activity for the group is prepping for no-bake cookies which is a meaningful activity which all the members are familiar with.The goal of the group is for the group members to follow instructions and maintain environmental awareness. Which of the following observations can the COTA® expect to witness from a patient during this group activity?
A. Places 1 ingredient at-a-time into the bowl using the correct tools as cued and based on the clinician’s movements.
The patient is demonstrating a likely observation that typically occurs at ACL 4.2. The patient is able to follow a sequence of steps while the actions of a performance are demonstrated in plain sight. At ACL 4. Global cognition is moderately impaired. There is an awareness of tangible cues (see and touch) and understanding of visible cause-and-effect relationships. Goal-directed actions demonstrate an awareness of a familiar end-product but fail to solve new problems, anticipate, or correct mistakes. There is no independent new learning. Attention span is usually good for up to one hour. Minimum Assistance is needed when clinicians set up goal-directed activities with tangible results.
Strategies used for this level are:
• Provide cues to assist with focusing on the present task.
• Teach tasks using demonstration, verbal instruction, slow pace, and repetition – one step at a time.
B. Patients functioning at ACL 3 present with global cognition that is severely impaired. They perform spontaneous manual actions in response to tactile cues. Repetitive actions demonstrate an awareness of material objects but
lack of awareness of cause and effect, end product, or goal. Attention span is short (maximum 30 minutes) and actions are unpredictable. Need moderate assistance to have their attention refocused to sustain/complete simple,repetitive actions safely.
C. This is more likely to occur with patients who are functioning at ACL 5.0 using trial and error to adjust the spacing and direction of actions on an object.
D. This is more likely observed with patients functioning at ACL 5.4, when a person recognizes and understands the multiple uses of a tool.
Allen, Claudia K, Blue Tina, & Earhart, Catherine (1995). Understanding Cognitive Performance Modes. Allen Conferences, pp 89-116.
https://allencognitive.com/wp-content/uploads/Ed-Corner-Allen-Cognitive-Levels-and-Modes-of-PerformanceCombo.pdf
A. Places 1 ingredient at-a-time into the bowl using the correct tools as cued and based on the clinician’s movements.
The patient is demonstrating a likely observation that typically occurs at ACL 4.2. The patient is able to follow a sequence of steps while the actions of a performance are demonstrated in plain sight. At ACL 4. Global cognition is moderately impaired. There is an awareness of tangible cues (see and touch) and understanding of visible cause-and-effect relationships. Goal-directed actions demonstrate an awareness of a familiar end-product but fail to solve new problems, anticipate, or correct mistakes. There is no independent new learning. Attention span is usually good for up to one hour. Minimum Assistance is needed when clinicians set up goal-directed activities with tangible results.
Strategies used for this level are:
• Provide cues to assist with focusing on the present task.
• Teach tasks using demonstration, verbal instruction, slow pace, and repetition – one step at a time.
B. Patients functioning at ACL 3 present with global cognition that is severely impaired. They perform spontaneous manual actions in response to tactile cues. Repetitive actions demonstrate an awareness of material objects but
lack of awareness of cause and effect, end product, or goal. Attention span is short (maximum 30 minutes) and actions are unpredictable. Need moderate assistance to have their attention refocused to sustain/complete simple,repetitive actions safely.
C. This is more likely to occur with patients who are functioning at ACL 5.0 using trial and error to adjust the spacing and direction of actions on an object.
D. This is more likely observed with patients functioning at ACL 5.4, when a person recognizes and understands the multiple uses of a tool.
Allen, Claudia K, Blue Tina, & Earhart, Catherine (1995). Understanding Cognitive Performance Modes. Allen Conferences, pp 89-116.
https://allencognitive.com/wp-content/uploads/Ed-Corner-Allen-Cognitive-Levels-and-Modes-of-PerformanceCombo.pdf
What is the best course of action to take if a patient with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) suddenly screams at another patient for not following the directions that were provided at the beginning of a crafting group session?
B. Use techniques to de-escalate the situation.
How an OT practitioner can de-escalate a situation when a patient is angry or agitated:
When there are signs of anger or verbal aggression it is important to remember that:
• you need to stay calm
• anger may be a sign that the person is in distress, experiencing fear or frustrated
• it is not possible to reason or problem solve with someone who is enraged
• effective communication skills are the key to settling, resolving and de-escalating a situation.
Use the strategies below to de-escalate a situation:
• Listen to what the issue is and the person’s concerns.
• Offer reflective comments to show that you have heard what their concerns are.
• Wait until the person has released their frustration and explained how they are feeling.
• Look and maintain appropriate eye contact to connect with the person.
• Nod to confirm that you are listening and have understood.
• Express empathy to show you have understood.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/strategies/Pages/managing-anger.aspx
B. Use techniques to de-escalate the situation.
How an OT practitioner can de-escalate a situation when a patient is angry or agitated:
When there are signs of anger or verbal aggression it is important to remember that:
• you need to stay calm
• anger may be a sign that the person is in distress, experiencing fear or frustrated
• it is not possible to reason or problem solve with someone who is enraged
• effective communication skills are the key to settling, resolving and de-escalating a situation.
Use the strategies below to de-escalate a situation:
• Listen to what the issue is and the person’s concerns.
• Offer reflective comments to show that you have heard what their concerns are.
• Wait until the person has released their frustration and explained how they are feeling.
• Look and maintain appropriate eye contact to connect with the person.
• Nod to confirm that you are listening and have understood.
• Express empathy to show you have understood.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/strategies/Pages/managing-anger.aspx
In an inpatient mental health facility, what is the role of the OT practitioner when leading a task-oriented group with patients who present with major depression?
D. Assist with activity selection, facilitate discussion, and assist members in exploring relationships between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Task-oriented groups—assist members in becoming aware of their needs, values, ideas and feelings through performance of a shared task
• For clients whose primary dysfunction is in the cognition and socioemotional areas due to psychological or physical trauma
• Clients with fair verbal skills who can interact with others
Role of the therapist:
• Initially, very active—assists with activity selection, facilitates discussion, gives feedback and support, assists members in exploring relationships between thoughts, feelings, and actions
• As the group develops, the leader is less active
D. Assist with activity selection, facilitate discussion, and assist members in exploring relationships between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Task-oriented groups—assist members in becoming aware of their needs, values, ideas and feelings through performance of a shared task
• For clients whose primary dysfunction is in the cognition and socioemotional areas due to psychological or physical trauma
• Clients with fair verbal skills who can interact with others
Role of the therapist:
• Initially, very active—assists with activity selection, facilitates discussion, gives feedback and support, assists members in exploring relationships between thoughts, feelings, and actions
• As the group develops, the leader is less active
A COTA® is working with six ambulatory patients in a therapeutic gardening group, with the goal of improving their proprioception and kinesthesia. The group members meet twice a week at the communal garden and share the responsibility for planting, tending, and harvesting strawberry plants. What activity during the gardening process would address the patient’s therapeutic needs?
B. Making the proper amount of pressure harvesting the fruit without crushing the body.
Proprioception is the unconscious sense of information about where joints are positioned in space. Kinesthesia is the conscious sense of motion through the joints. Adjusting pressure and knowing finger placement will directly affect how well the patient performs harvesting the fruit. For example, pulling the strawberry off the stem without squeezing the fruit by pressing it too hard.
A. The use of tweezers works in addressing fine motor strength and coordination.
B. Measuring the proper amount of mulch requires judgment.
D. Watering while visually scanning requires visual perceptual abilities including depth perception.
Wagenfeld, A. (August 26, 2013): Nature – An Environment for Health. OT Practice Magazine (Vol 18 Issue 15), p 15-18.
B. Making the proper amount of pressure harvesting the fruit without crushing the body.
Proprioception is the unconscious sense of information about where joints are positioned in space. Kinesthesia is the conscious sense of motion through the joints. Adjusting pressure and knowing finger placement will directly affect how well the patient performs harvesting the fruit. For example, pulling the strawberry off the stem without squeezing the fruit by pressing it too hard.
A. The use of tweezers works in addressing fine motor strength and coordination.
B. Measuring the proper amount of mulch requires judgment.
D. Watering while visually scanning requires visual perceptual abilities including depth perception.
Wagenfeld, A. (August 26, 2013): Nature – An Environment for Health. OT Practice Magazine (Vol 18 Issue 15), p 15-18.
A COTA® is working with 6 teenagers in a social skills group. All the group members are female, and they have all been diagnosed with behavioral disorders. They all plan to start working in the service industry as soon as they graduate from high school. One of the goals of the group is for the adolescents to build self-awareness of how emotions and thoughts influence actions. Which type of activity would be MOST BENEFICIAL for supporting this goal?
C. Role play on how to handle a negative comment on their social media page.
In role playing, the members of the group can rehearse and practice appropriate behaviors in a supportive and therapeutic environment. Social media is a relatable forum for communication between teens in which they can express emotions and opinions. Triggers to aggression can be identified and managed through problem-solving which, thereby, increases self-awareness, especially when the aggressor is met with negative reaction. Role play requires active verbal interaction between 2 or more persons assuming assigned roles, supporting the building of new habits required for healthy relationships to successfully handle social interactions at work, home and in leisure activities.
A and B. Although these involve cooperation and teamwork, essential for a working environment, it does not meet the goal of increasing self-awareness of how emotions and thoughts influence actions.
D. Journalling is an isolated activity and does not involve social interaction, the focus of this group.
Cole, Marilyn B. (2012) Group Dynamics in Occupational Therapy (4th Ed). Slack Inc., p 162.
C. Role play on how to handle a negative comment on their social media page.
In role playing, the members of the group can rehearse and practice appropriate behaviors in a supportive and therapeutic environment. Social media is a relatable forum for communication between teens in which they can express emotions and opinions. Triggers to aggression can be identified and managed through problem-solving which, thereby, increases self-awareness, especially when the aggressor is met with negative reaction. Role play requires active verbal interaction between 2 or more persons assuming assigned roles, supporting the building of new habits required for healthy relationships to successfully handle social interactions at work, home and in leisure activities.
A and B. Although these involve cooperation and teamwork, essential for a working environment, it does not meet the goal of increasing self-awareness of how emotions and thoughts influence actions.
D. Journalling is an isolated activity and does not involve social interaction, the focus of this group.
Cole, Marilyn B. (2012) Group Dynamics in Occupational Therapy (4th Ed). Slack Inc., p 162.
Louise, a 75-year-old patient who was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s disease approximately 12 months ago, has recently been informed by her physician that she is clinically depressed. While working with Louise and her family during a home health visit, the family ask the COTA® how they can help Louise cope with her new diagnosis? They inform the COTA® that they have heard a support group may be helpful for Louise. What advice should the COTA® give the family that will benefit Louise?
C. Schedule a predictable daily routine, taking advantage of the person’s best time of day to undertake difficult tasks, such as bathing.
Developing a daily routine is a key strategy used to help patients with Alzheimer’s cope. A schedule can reduce the time they would spend figuring out what needs to be done and when, and a routine helps the patient feel successful in accomplishing their goals.
A. Depression is very common among people with Alzheimer’s, especially during the early and middle stages. Identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult, since dementia can cause some of the same symptoms. In addition, the cognitive impairment experienced by people with Alzheimer’s often makes it difficult for them to articulate their sadness, hopelessness, guilt and other feelings associated with depression. Diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a medical professional, especially since side effects of medications and some medical conditions can produce similar symptoms.
B. Support groups can be very helpful, particularly an early-stage group for people with Alzheimer’s who are aware of their diagnosis and prefer to take an active role in seeking help.
D. Typical treatment for depression in Alzheimer’s involves a combination of medicine, counseling, and gradual reconnection to activities and people that bring happiness.
Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.
To detect depression in people who have Alzheimer’s disease, doctors must rely more heavily on nonverbal cues and caregiver reports than on self-reported symptoms. If a person with Alzheimer’s displays one of the first two symptoms in this list, along with at least two of the others within a two-week period, he or she may be depressed.
• Significantly depressed mood — sad, hopeless, discouraged, tearful
• Reduced pleasure in or response to social contacts and usual activities
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Eating too much or too little
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Agitation or lethargy
• Irritability
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or inappropriate guilt
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
People with Alzheimer’s may experience depression differently from that of people without Alzheimer’s. For example, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease: May have symptoms of depression that are less severe, may experience episodes of depression that don’t last as long or come back as frequently, seem less likely to talk of suicide and attempt suicide less often.
Scientists aren’t sure of the exact relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and depression. The biological changes caused by Alzheimer’s may intensify a predisposition to depression. On the other hand, depression may increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It’s clear that depression has a strong effect on the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Depression can lead to:
• Worsening cognitive decline
• Greater disability involving daily living skills
• Increased dependence on caregivers
How the family can help their loved one:
• Support groups can be very helpful, particularly an early-stage group for people with Alzheimer’s who are aware of their diagnosis and prefer to take an active role in seeking help
• Schedule a predictable daily routine, taking advantage of the person’s best time of day to undertake difficult tasks, such as bathing
• Make a list of activities, people or places that the person enjoys and schedule these activities more frequently
• Help the person exercise regularly, particularly in the morning
• Acknowledge the person’s frustration or sadness, while continuing to express hope that he or she will feel better soon
• Find ways that the person can contribute to family life and be sure to recognize his or her contributions
• Provide reassurance that the person is loved, respected and appreciated as part of the family
• Nurture the person with offers of favorite foods or soothing or inspirational activities
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048362
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/clinical-depression/faq-20057770
C. Schedule a predictable daily routine, taking advantage of the person’s best time of day to undertake difficult tasks, such as bathing.
Developing a daily routine is a key strategy used to help patients with Alzheimer’s cope. A schedule can reduce the time they would spend figuring out what needs to be done and when, and a routine helps the patient feel successful in accomplishing their goals.
A. Depression is very common among people with Alzheimer’s, especially during the early and middle stages. Identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult, since dementia can cause some of the same symptoms. In addition, the cognitive impairment experienced by people with Alzheimer’s often makes it difficult for them to articulate their sadness, hopelessness, guilt and other feelings associated with depression. Diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a medical professional, especially since side effects of medications and some medical conditions can produce similar symptoms.
B. Support groups can be very helpful, particularly an early-stage group for people with Alzheimer’s who are aware of their diagnosis and prefer to take an active role in seeking help.
D. Typical treatment for depression in Alzheimer’s involves a combination of medicine, counseling, and gradual reconnection to activities and people that bring happiness.
Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.
To detect depression in people who have Alzheimer’s disease, doctors must rely more heavily on nonverbal cues and caregiver reports than on self-reported symptoms. If a person with Alzheimer’s displays one of the first two symptoms in this list, along with at least two of the others within a two-week period, he or she may be depressed.
• Significantly depressed mood — sad, hopeless, discouraged, tearful
• Reduced pleasure in or response to social contacts and usual activities
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Eating too much or too little
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Agitation or lethargy
• Irritability
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or inappropriate guilt
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
People with Alzheimer’s may experience depression differently from that of people without Alzheimer’s. For example, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease: May have symptoms of depression that are less severe, may experience episodes of depression that don’t last as long or come back as frequently, seem less likely to talk of suicide and attempt suicide less often.
Scientists aren’t sure of the exact relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and depression. The biological changes caused by Alzheimer’s may intensify a predisposition to depression. On the other hand, depression may increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It’s clear that depression has a strong effect on the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Depression can lead to:
• Worsening cognitive decline
• Greater disability involving daily living skills
• Increased dependence on caregivers
How the family can help their loved one:
• Support groups can be very helpful, particularly an early-stage group for people with Alzheimer’s who are aware of their diagnosis and prefer to take an active role in seeking help
• Schedule a predictable daily routine, taking advantage of the person’s best time of day to undertake difficult tasks, such as bathing
• Make a list of activities, people or places that the person enjoys and schedule these activities more frequently
• Help the person exercise regularly, particularly in the morning
• Acknowledge the person’s frustration or sadness, while continuing to express hope that he or she will feel better soon
• Find ways that the person can contribute to family life and be sure to recognize his or her contributions
• Provide reassurance that the person is loved, respected and appreciated as part of the family
• Nurture the person with offers of favorite foods or soothing or inspirational activities
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048362
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/clinical-depression/faq-20057770
A patient residing in a long-term care facility has progressed to the mid stage of Dementia. In which activity would this patient have the most difficulty participating?
B. Describing their daily routine of the past week.
A person in the mid stages of Dementia typically has deficits in short-term memory, recalling recent events. Memory for the distant past (long term memory) generally seems better, but some details may be forgotten or confused. Memory loss may not be as apparent in the early stages. Short term memory is affected before long term memory is affected. As the person’s dementia progresses, their memory will get worse. In the early stages, the person’s long-term memory is often less affected. This is probably because older memories – which are thought about more often – become more firmly established and are more likely to be recalled than newer memories.
A, C and D. Whilst early stages of dementia account for short-term memory loss, over time, a person with dementia will experience long-term memory loss too.
Alzheimer’s (the most common form of dementia) does not affect all memory capacities equally: short-term memory (the ability to hold information in mind in an active, readily-available state for a short period of time) is the first to go; next comes episodic memory(memory of autobiographical events); then semantic memory (memory of the meanings of words and facts about the world); and finally procedural memory(how to perform tasks and skills). As the disease advances, parts of memory which were previously intact also become impaired, and eventually all reasoning, attention, and language abilities are disrupted.
https://www.alzheimersonline.org/page/about-us/whats-on/blog/how-does-dementia-affect-long-term-memory/
https://human-memory.net/alzheimers-disease/
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/dementia_overview/article_em.htm#what_are_the_7_stages_of_dementia
B. Describing their daily routine of the past week.
A person in the mid stages of Dementia typically has deficits in short-term memory, recalling recent events. Memory for the distant past (long term memory) generally seems better, but some details may be forgotten or confused. Memory loss may not be as apparent in the early stages. Short term memory is affected before long term memory is affected. As the person’s dementia progresses, their memory will get worse. In the early stages, the person’s long-term memory is often less affected. This is probably because older memories – which are thought about more often – become more firmly established and are more likely to be recalled than newer memories.
A, C and D. Whilst early stages of dementia account for short-term memory loss, over time, a person with dementia will experience long-term memory loss too.
Alzheimer’s (the most common form of dementia) does not affect all memory capacities equally: short-term memory (the ability to hold information in mind in an active, readily-available state for a short period of time) is the first to go; next comes episodic memory(memory of autobiographical events); then semantic memory (memory of the meanings of words and facts about the world); and finally procedural memory(how to perform tasks and skills). As the disease advances, parts of memory which were previously intact also become impaired, and eventually all reasoning, attention, and language abilities are disrupted.
https://www.alzheimersonline.org/page/about-us/whats-on/blog/how-does-dementia-affect-long-term-memory/
https://human-memory.net/alzheimers-disease/
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/dementia_overview/article_em.htm#what_are_the_7_stages_of_dementia
A 24-year old patient in an inpatient mental health facility has been displaying negative outbursts and poor self-concept. He appears uninterested in participating in a conflict resolution, social skills training group. The patient states, “this doesn’t relate to me. I don’t need this”. What should the COTA® do NEXT in response to his statement?
C. Investigate the patient’s perception of his self-limiting behavior and encourage participation.
The patient is demonstrating poor self-concept. The goal is to foster self-esteem by having the patient discover positive feelings through the group process. The patient may not be expressing his or her awareness realistically or appropriately, and there may be underlying factors that may be related to his/her behavior, i.e. fear of ridicule, not understanding the purpose of the task, uneasiness about not performing properly, etc.
Cole, Marilyn B. (2012). Amputation and Prosthetics, Physical Dysfunction Practice Skills for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (3rd Edition, p 671). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Mosby Inc.
C. Investigate the patient’s perception of his self-limiting behavior and encourage participation.
The patient is demonstrating poor self-concept. The goal is to foster self-esteem by having the patient discover positive feelings through the group process. The patient may not be expressing his or her awareness realistically or appropriately, and there may be underlying factors that may be related to his/her behavior, i.e. fear of ridicule, not understanding the purpose of the task, uneasiness about not performing properly, etc.
Cole, Marilyn B. (2012). Amputation and Prosthetics, Physical Dysfunction Practice Skills for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (3rd Edition, p 671). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Mosby Inc.
A veteran suffering from PTSD was admitted to an inpatient mental health facility a week ago, for moderate depression. He demonstrates decreased motivation with performing basic self-care. For the week, the COTA® has been focusing on identifying meaningful roles, routines, habits ,and developing strategies to build his self-esteem. What activities would promote carryover of the interventions upon discharge?
D. Establishing a daily schedule of activities for resuming previous roles. It is important for the patient to establish routines that involve simple activities that are achievable and relate to meaningful roles. By completing these tasks successfully, the patient has a sense of normality and greater hope for recovery. The goal is for the patient to direct and manage his own recovery when he reintegrates into the community.
Borg, M., & Davidson, L. (2008). The nature of recovery as lived in everyday experience. Journal of Mental Health, 17, 129–140. Kielhofner, G. (2007). A model of human occupation: Theory and application (4th ed.). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
D. Establishing a daily schedule of activities for resuming previous roles. It is important for the patient to establish routines that involve simple activities that are achievable and relate to meaningful roles. By completing these tasks successfully, the patient has a sense of normality and greater hope for recovery. The goal is for the patient to direct and manage his own recovery when he reintegrates into the community.
Borg, M., & Davidson, L. (2008). The nature of recovery as lived in everyday experience. Journal of Mental Health, 17, 129–140. Kielhofner, G. (2007). A model of human occupation: Theory and application (4th ed.). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
A COTA® is collaborating with an OTR® to complete an initial interview with the daughter of an 80-year-old man who is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She has recently moved her father into her home and has taken the role of his primary caregiver as other family members do not live nearby. The COTA® asks the patient’s daughter several questions during the interview. Which question, from the list below, illustrates an open-ended question?
C. Which activities do you want to focus on during the sessions?
By asking the caregiver an open-ended question, the therapist can identify the family members’ perspective. As an initial interview, the therapist can determine priority activities, set specific goals, and identify strategies for goal attainment. Open-ended questions allow the caregiver the opportunity to begin to tell the story of her caregiver experience, i.e. obtain the family member’s needs and priorities, determine the importance of activities, gain an understanding of how they are affected by caregiving, etc.
All the other answer choices are close-ended questions that limit responses.
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0101/p29.pdf
Laura N. Gitlin, Mary Corcoran, Susan Leinmiller-Eckhardt; Understanding the Family Perspective: An Ethnographic Framework for Providing Occupational Therapy in the Home. Am J Occup Ther 1995;49(8):802-809. doi: 10.5014/ajot.49.8.802.
Marian Keglovits, Emily Somerville, Susan Stark; In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation for Providing Assistance (I–HOPE Assist): An Assessment for Informal Caregivers. Am J Occup Ther 2015;69(5):6905290010p1-6905290010p9. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2015.015248.
C. Which activities do you want to focus on during the sessions?
By asking the caregiver an open-ended question, the therapist can identify the family members’ perspective. As an initial interview, the therapist can determine priority activities, set specific goals, and identify strategies for goal attainment. Open-ended questions allow the caregiver the opportunity to begin to tell the story of her caregiver experience, i.e. obtain the family member’s needs and priorities, determine the importance of activities, gain an understanding of how they are affected by caregiving, etc.
All the other answer choices are close-ended questions that limit responses.
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0101/p29.pdf
Laura N. Gitlin, Mary Corcoran, Susan Leinmiller-Eckhardt; Understanding the Family Perspective: An Ethnographic Framework for Providing Occupational Therapy in the Home. Am J Occup Ther 1995;49(8):802-809. doi: 10.5014/ajot.49.8.802.
Marian Keglovits, Emily Somerville, Susan Stark; In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation for Providing Assistance (I–HOPE Assist): An Assessment for Informal Caregivers. Am J Occup Ther 2015;69(5):6905290010p1-6905290010p9. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2015.015248.
A COTA® is treating a patient with a history of substance abuse who lives in a group home. The case worker has asked the COTA® to focus on housekeeping skills with the patient as he has not been maintaining his room, and others have to clear the table for him. The patient has been found to have decreased problem-solving skills and he displays slight agitation. Using a cognitive-behavioral approach, which of the following types of intervention would be MOST effective for this patient?
A. Lead an instructional meeting with staff and residents about expectations in a group home.
When presenting a meeting that reviews expectations and rules, it raises awareness of behaviors with the intent of self-modifying behavior and promoting positive habits.
B. Posting a schedule follows an environmental cueing approach for establishing routines but does not address cognitive-behavioral symptoms.
C and D. Involves a positive reinforcement approach.
Reed, Kathlyn. (2001) Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, pp 831-836.
A. Lead an instructional meeting with staff and residents about expectations in a group home.
When presenting a meeting that reviews expectations and rules, it raises awareness of behaviors with the intent of self-modifying behavior and promoting positive habits.
B. Posting a schedule follows an environmental cueing approach for establishing routines but does not address cognitive-behavioral symptoms.
C and D. Involves a positive reinforcement approach.
Reed, Kathlyn. (2001) Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, pp 831-836.
A patient who has been diagnosed with dementia is receiving OT services in an inpatient setting. The OT intervention plan is based on the Allen Cognitive Model with the goal of teaching the patient self-grooming skills. The patient has been assessed and found to be functioning at an ACL 4 (Goal Directed Actions). When planning this patient’s OT session, what approach would be the MOST appropriate to use with this patient?
A. Top-Down Approach using visual cues to learn self-grooming.
The ACL Model uses a Top-Down Approach which is a compensatory approach. At ACL 4 the patient would require visual demonstrations for tasks because they cannot follow verbal and written directions. The goal is to maximize the patient’s existing skills and adapt activities to allow independence in occupation. This approach focuses on the skills necessary to participate in daily activities. The evaluation and treatment plan is designed to address participation in activity, including adaptations required to allow participation.
B. Bottom-Up Approach. The goal is to acquire or restore the skills necessary to participate in occupation. This approach focuses on the cause of deficits in foundational skills. The evaluation and treatment plan is designed to address deficits in foundational skills, allowing for increased performance during daily activities.
C. A restorative approach is a bottom- up approach.
D. At ACL level 5(Exploratory Actions). New learning can occur, learns through trial and error, can learn independently through exploratory actions.
A. Top-Down Approach using visual cues to learn self-grooming.
The ACL Model uses a Top-Down Approach which is a compensatory approach. At ACL 4 the patient would require visual demonstrations for tasks because they cannot follow verbal and written directions. The goal is to maximize the patient’s existing skills and adapt activities to allow independence in occupation. This approach focuses on the skills necessary to participate in daily activities. The evaluation and treatment plan is designed to address participation in activity, including adaptations required to allow participation.
B. Bottom-Up Approach. The goal is to acquire or restore the skills necessary to participate in occupation. This approach focuses on the cause of deficits in foundational skills. The evaluation and treatment plan is designed to address deficits in foundational skills, allowing for increased performance during daily activities.
C. A restorative approach is a bottom- up approach.
D. At ACL level 5(Exploratory Actions). New learning can occur, learns through trial and error, can learn independently through exploratory actions.
An OT practitioner is working in a psychiatric residential center with a group of patients who have all been diagnosed with Schizophrenia. The patients are participating in a project group which involves a baking activity. When the patients have made sufficient progress to move to the NEXT level of a developmental group, how should the OT practitioner structure the group? Select the 3 best answers.
A. Group members will be encouraged to make and carry out the plan for how they are going to provide suitable baked goods for the bake sale.
C. The OT practitioner will adopt a facilitative leadership style.
D. Group members will work together on making baked goods such as a gingerbread house which will be sold at the local bake sale.
The next group after a Project Group is an Egocentric-Cooperative Group. In this type of group, members collaborate to complete a specific task in a long-term setting. The group members must work together to decide on a task to complete while each maintaining their rights as a member. Each group member is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skillset. In this type of group, the OT practitioner functions as a facilitator, and encourages the group members to create and carry out their plan. The OT practitioner may provide suggestions.
The purpose of a developmental group is to teach and develop the group members’ interaction skills. There is a continuum of groups consisting of parallel, project, egocentric cooperative, cooperative, and mature groups. Each type of group adds another level of self-awareness for the group participants. The role of the OT practitioner decreases with each type of group as the members develop more leadership and interpersonal skills.
B. The OT practitioner will adopt a directive leadership style. This is the style used in a Parallel and Project Group
E. Each group member will work on a different baking task while sitting next to one another. This is the how the tasks are structed in a Project Group.
F. Each group member will decorate their own gingerbread man but they will have to share the icing and candy, and the winner will receive a small reward. This is how the tasks are structured in a Parallel Group and this would be downgrading the structure of the group.
A Project Group is brought together for a short time to complete a small project. The main goal of a Project Group is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner will encourage cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing using directive leadership The OT practitioner presents the short task (usually less than 30 mins) and assists the group members if they need it. It is important for the OT practitioner to encourage competition in a safe environment.
A Parallel Group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks. Members in parallel groups need to be able to appreciate and accept each other. Each member will work on their own task while in the presence of the other members. The OT practitioner will need to continually encourage and support targeted behaviors. The OT practitioner provides complete leadership for the group (Directive Leadership). This includes creating and maintaining boundaries and reinforcing positive behaviors.
A. Group members will be encouraged to make and carry out the plan for how they are going to provide suitable baked goods for the bake sale.
C. The OT practitioner will adopt a facilitative leadership style.
D. Group members will work together on making baked goods such as a gingerbread house which will be sold at the local bake sale.
The next group after a Project Group is an Egocentric-Cooperative Group. In this type of group, members collaborate to complete a specific task in a long-term setting. The group members must work together to decide on a task to complete while each maintaining their rights as a member. Each group member is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skillset. In this type of group, the OT practitioner functions as a facilitator, and encourages the group members to create and carry out their plan. The OT practitioner may provide suggestions.
The purpose of a developmental group is to teach and develop the group members’ interaction skills. There is a continuum of groups consisting of parallel, project, egocentric cooperative, cooperative, and mature groups. Each type of group adds another level of self-awareness for the group participants. The role of the OT practitioner decreases with each type of group as the members develop more leadership and interpersonal skills.
B. The OT practitioner will adopt a directive leadership style. This is the style used in a Parallel and Project Group
E. Each group member will work on a different baking task while sitting next to one another. This is the how the tasks are structed in a Project Group.
F. Each group member will decorate their own gingerbread man but they will have to share the icing and candy, and the winner will receive a small reward. This is how the tasks are structured in a Parallel Group and this would be downgrading the structure of the group.
A Project Group is brought together for a short time to complete a small project. The main goal of a Project Group is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner will encourage cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing using directive leadership The OT practitioner presents the short task (usually less than 30 mins) and assists the group members if they need it. It is important for the OT practitioner to encourage competition in a safe environment.
A Parallel Group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks. Members in parallel groups need to be able to appreciate and accept each other. Each member will work on their own task while in the presence of the other members. The OT practitioner will need to continually encourage and support targeted behaviors. The OT practitioner provides complete leadership for the group (Directive Leadership). This includes creating and maintaining boundaries and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Which type of developmental group would be the MOST appropriate to incorporate into an OT intervention plan for young children who have been diagnosed with selective mutism. The goal of the group is to promote some interaction and co-operation among the children while they decorate cookies. The group will be structured to only include children who are 3-4 years old, the activity will last for 30-minutes and the children will be required to share the icing and toppings?
C. Project group. Selective mutism is predominantly a childhood anxiety disorder that is diagnosed when a child consistently does not speak in some situations. A Project Group is brought together for a short time to complete a small project while group members cooperate with each other. The main goal of a Project Group is to enhance cooperation and to help group members feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner typically encourages cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing.
Mosey’s 5 Developmental Group Levels, and associated age level.
1. Parallel (18 months–2 years)
2. Project (2–4 years)
3. Egocentric cooperative (5–7 years)
4. Cooperative (9–12 years)
5. Mature (15–18 years)
C. Project group. Selective mutism is predominantly a childhood anxiety disorder that is diagnosed when a child consistently does not speak in some situations. A Project Group is brought together for a short time to complete a small project while group members cooperate with each other. The main goal of a Project Group is to enhance cooperation and to help group members feel comfortable around each other. The OT practitioner typically encourages cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing.
Mosey’s 5 Developmental Group Levels, and associated age level.
1. Parallel (18 months–2 years)
2. Project (2–4 years)
3. Egocentric cooperative (5–7 years)
4. Cooperative (9–12 years)
5. Mature (15–18 years)
What are some interventions that would be used in a cooperative group to help patients with bipolar disorder share their thoughts, feelings, and common interests?
A. Art, poetry, or music group.
A cooperative group typically incorporates creative activities such as art, poetry, music, or other creative experiences which should promote sharing of feelings and thoughts.
A. Art, poetry, or music group.
A cooperative group typically incorporates creative activities such as art, poetry, music, or other creative experiences which should promote sharing of feelings and thoughts.
An OTA is leading a topical group with 8 patients, all of whom have a history of substance abuse. What should the focus of the group discussion be on?
D. Identifying leisure pursuits.
A topical group is a verbal discussion group focused on a specific activity engaged in outside of the group. Identifying leisure activities that can be pursued in a substance-free environment is an important topic to focus on because it will help increase their self-esteem, coping skills, and assertiveness.
D. Identifying leisure pursuits.
A topical group is a verbal discussion group focused on a specific activity engaged in outside of the group. Identifying leisure activities that can be pursued in a substance-free environment is an important topic to focus on because it will help increase their self-esteem, coping skills, and assertiveness.
What is the MOST important role the COTA® will play, when leading an egocentric-cooperative group in a mental health setting?
D. Make suggestions but encourage the group members to create and carry out their own plan.
In this type of group the OTA functions as a facilitator. Group members collaborate to complete a specific task. The group members must work together to decide on a task to complete. Each group members is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skillset. The OTA makes suggestions but encourages the group members to create and carry out their plan. The OTA should encourage group members to be engaged and respectful.
A. A parallel group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks.
B. In a mature group the OTA functions only as a group member, acting as a consultant. The group should function independently.
C. The main goal of a project group is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OTA encourages cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing.
PTOT. Module 6. Topic: 5 Types of Developmental Groups https://passtheot.com/5-types-groups/.
D. Make suggestions but encourage the group members to create and carry out their own plan.
In this type of group the OTA functions as a facilitator. Group members collaborate to complete a specific task. The group members must work together to decide on a task to complete. Each group members is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skillset. The OTA makes suggestions but encourages the group members to create and carry out their plan. The OTA should encourage group members to be engaged and respectful.
A. A parallel group focuses on developing interaction between people while they work on individual tasks.
B. In a mature group the OTA functions only as a group member, acting as a consultant. The group should function independently.
C. The main goal of a project group is to enhance cooperation and help group members to feel comfortable around each other. The OTA encourages cooperation, healthy competition, and sharing.
PTOT. Module 6. Topic: 5 Types of Developmental Groups https://passtheot.com/5-types-groups/.
A patient with schizophrenia is engaged in the activity of preparing breakfast with assistance from the OTA. As the patient picks up a cup of juice to take it to the table, he shouts “Look out! It’s burning!” The OTA does not see fire or smell smoke. What is the role of the OTA at this point?
C. Reassure the patient that there is no fire and redirect him to the activity. Since no smoke or fire is apparent, the OTA comes to the conclusion that the patient is having a hallucination. To insure that the patient is grounded in reality and focused on the task, the OTA redirects the patient back to the task of carrying the juice to the table.
C. Reassure the patient that there is no fire and redirect him to the activity. Since no smoke or fire is apparent, the OTA comes to the conclusion that the patient is having a hallucination. To insure that the patient is grounded in reality and focused on the task, the OTA redirects the patient back to the task of carrying the juice to the table.
A patient with a cognitive impairment spontaeneously starts manipulating and touching various objects which have been placed on a table close to them. At which ACL level is this patient most likely functioning?
D. ACL level 3.
ACL 3: Manual Actions.
Global cognition is severely impaired. The individual performs spontaneous manual actions in response to tactile cues. Repetitive actions demonstrate an awareness of material objects but lack of awareness of cause and effect, end product, or goal. Attention span is short (maximum 30 minutes) and actions are unpredictable.
D. ACL level 3.
ACL 3: Manual Actions.
Global cognition is severely impaired. The individual performs spontaneous manual actions in response to tactile cues. Repetitive actions demonstrate an awareness of material objects but lack of awareness of cause and effect, end product, or goal. Attention span is short (maximum 30 minutes) and actions are unpredictable.
A patient who has dementia is participating in a simple origami activity. The patient is unable to follow written instructions and requires verbal instructions with a diagram illustrating how to fold the paper, to make a paper plane. At what ACL level is this patient functioning?
B. ACL level 4
A patient at ACL level 4 is able to follow a picture or diagram to follow an activity. At this level, they are goal directed and capable of sequencing steps but with a limited attention span. Written instructions do not work, and verbal instructions are not enough, they need a demonstration with pictures.
B. ACL level 4
A patient at ACL level 4 is able to follow a picture or diagram to follow an activity. At this level, they are goal directed and capable of sequencing steps but with a limited attention span. Written instructions do not work, and verbal instructions are not enough, they need a demonstration with pictures.
A patient is attending a group in which several women share their past experiences, life stories, and life challenges with one another in order to gain social support. What is the name of this group?
A. Reminiscence group.
Reminiscence therapy is defined as “the use of life histories – written, oral, or both – to improve psychological well-being. The therapy is often used with older people.” This form of therapeutic intervention respects the life and experiences of the individual with the aim of helping the patient maintain good mental health. The majority of research on reminiscence therapy has been done with the elderly community, especially those suffering from depression, although a few studies have looked at other elderly samples.
A. Reminiscence group.
Reminiscence therapy is defined as “the use of life histories – written, oral, or both – to improve psychological well-being. The therapy is often used with older people.” This form of therapeutic intervention respects the life and experiences of the individual with the aim of helping the patient maintain good mental health. The majority of research on reminiscence therapy has been done with the elderly community, especially those suffering from depression, although a few studies have looked at other elderly samples.
What type of group allows a patient to express his needs and address those of others while completing a specific task in a long-term setting?
C. Egocentric – cooperative group
Egocentric cooperative: The group members must work together to decide on a task to complete while each maintaining their rights as a member. Each group member is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skill set.
C. Egocentric – cooperative group
Egocentric cooperative: The group members must work together to decide on a task to complete while each maintaining their rights as a member. Each group member is expected to provide input on the task – this input should be specific to that member’s skill set.
A patient is able to sit down, stand up, walk, and perform gross motor movements. However, he may wander off in social situations. What ACL level is this patient at?
A. Level 2.
Level 2: Postural Actions
Characterized by movement that is associated with comfort. There is some awareness of large objects in the environment, and the individual may assist the caregiver with simple tasks
Unable to imitate the running stitch
Postural Actions/Gross Body Movement – MAX ASSIST
Motor actions: approximate imitations, pacing, bending, stretches
Activities: gross motor games, dance
Attention span: minutes
A. Level 2.
Level 2: Postural Actions
Characterized by movement that is associated with comfort. There is some awareness of large objects in the environment, and the individual may assist the caregiver with simple tasks
Unable to imitate the running stitch
Postural Actions/Gross Body Movement – MAX ASSIST
Motor actions: approximate imitations, pacing, bending, stretches
Activities: gross motor games, dance
Attention span: minutes
What is the name of the eating disorder that is characterized by a stubborn and willful refusal to eat, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of becoming fat?
A. Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with activities in their lives.
A. Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with activities in their lives.
Will is a 32-year-old patient with a diagnosis of chronic depression who is experiencing difficulty with his organizational skills. Using a metacognitive approach, the OTA helps Will determine that using an organizer on his smartphone, that will play auditory reminders, might help him stay organized. What conclusion did Will and the OTA arrive at, that led them to this solution?
D. Will processes information better if he hears it, so auditory reminders will help him remember his schedule. Metacognition refers to a person’s ability to think about and understand his or her own cognitive processes. By discussing Will’s organizational skills and concluding that Will processes information better if he hears it, the OTA is helping Will to think about how he thinks. Wills ability to think about and understand how he thinks is called metacognition.
D. Will processes information better if he hears it, so auditory reminders will help him remember his schedule. Metacognition refers to a person’s ability to think about and understand his or her own cognitive processes. By discussing Will’s organizational skills and concluding that Will processes information better if he hears it, the OTA is helping Will to think about how he thinks. Wills ability to think about and understand how he thinks is called metacognition.
What should an OTA do if, while in the middle of a scrapbook activity, their patient, a 40-year-old homeless veteran, starts experiencing delusions and believing that the other therapists are scheming against him and his family?
B. Redirect the patient’s thoughts to reality-based thinking and actions.
Delusions = false beliefs. An OTA should avoid discussions that validate and reinforce delusional material and redirect the patient’s thoughts to reality-based thinking and actions.
B. Redirect the patient’s thoughts to reality-based thinking and actions.
Delusions = false beliefs. An OTA should avoid discussions that validate and reinforce delusional material and redirect the patient’s thoughts to reality-based thinking and actions.
An OTA is working on BADLs with an elderly patient who has dementia. When the OTA asks the patient to brush her teeth, the patient declines to participate in the task. How should the OTA react in this scenario?
D. Ask the patient if she needs help and put her toothbrush in her hand.
The patient may need help initiating the task of brushing her teeth. associated with dementia is :
– changes in emotions
– changes in movement
– slowness of thinking
– difficulty starting activities
D. Ask the patient if she needs help and put her toothbrush in her hand.
The patient may need help initiating the task of brushing her teeth. associated with dementia is :
– changes in emotions
– changes in movement
– slowness of thinking
– difficulty starting activities
An OTA in a skilled nursing facility has received a treatment plan for a 70-year-old man with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The patient’s chart reveals that he has developed parkinsonism as a result of long term use of antipsychotic medication. What symptoms should the OTA expect to observe?
C. Shuffle gait, stooped posture, resting hand tremor.
Shuffle gait, stooped posture, resting hand tremor are characteristic of parkinsonism, which can be caused by long term use of antipsychotic medications. Parkinsonism has many of the same symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, but is usually not progressive. The symptoms of grimacing, tongue thrusting and lip smacking are characteristic of tardive dyskinesia, which can also be caused by long term use of antipsychotic medication. Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia are two different conditions.
C. Shuffle gait, stooped posture, resting hand tremor.
Shuffle gait, stooped posture, resting hand tremor are characteristic of parkinsonism, which can be caused by long term use of antipsychotic medications. Parkinsonism has many of the same symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, but is usually not progressive. The symptoms of grimacing, tongue thrusting and lip smacking are characteristic of tardive dyskinesia, which can also be caused by long term use of antipsychotic medication. Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia are two different conditions.
A patient who presents with cognitive dysfunction is able to perform the whipstitch 3x, when the ACLS is being administered. At what ACL level is this patient functioning?
C. Level 4.
Level 4: Goal-directed actions. At this level, the person relies on visual cues that are associated with his or her goal-directed actions. Features of objects with sharp contrast such as color and shape are dealt with successfully, while other details are ignored. Invisible properties of objects (e.g., electricity, heat, and chemical reactions) do not capture the attention; direct supervision (Allen, 1985) is necessary to avoid injuries. Allen (1987) used the term training for persons functioning at Level 4 to describe a limited capacity for learning that is situation-specific. Training does not carry over to other environments or activities. Many day-to-day activities are successfully performed, which may conceal disability, but support is needed to cope successfully with changes in the environment. Monitoring by a support person is recommended for these persons. Patients assessed at Level Four do attempt to complete a project, usually an exact match of the sample supplied by the therapist. Attention is focused concretely on things that they can see; physical objects that are out of their visual field cause confusion. The person can follow a checkerboard pattern.
C. Level 4.
Level 4: Goal-directed actions. At this level, the person relies on visual cues that are associated with his or her goal-directed actions. Features of objects with sharp contrast such as color and shape are dealt with successfully, while other details are ignored. Invisible properties of objects (e.g., electricity, heat, and chemical reactions) do not capture the attention; direct supervision (Allen, 1985) is necessary to avoid injuries. Allen (1987) used the term training for persons functioning at Level 4 to describe a limited capacity for learning that is situation-specific. Training does not carry over to other environments or activities. Many day-to-day activities are successfully performed, which may conceal disability, but support is needed to cope successfully with changes in the environment. Monitoring by a support person is recommended for these persons. Patients assessed at Level Four do attempt to complete a project, usually an exact match of the sample supplied by the therapist. Attention is focused concretely on things that they can see; physical objects that are out of their visual field cause confusion. The person can follow a checkerboard pattern.
What type of activity group would focus on issues members are engaged in outside of the group such as parenting skills for parents of children with disabilities?
A. Topical Group.
Topical groups—focuses on discussion of activities/issues members are engaged in outside of the group; to enable members to engage in these activities in a more effective, need-satisfying manner (e.g., a parenting skills group for parents of children with disabilities).
B. Instrumental Group- This type of group is maintenance focused. It helps members function at their highest level, for as long as possible. All activities are centered around keeping the person at the highest level of health and functionality.
D. Thematic Group- Designed for the purpose of assisting members to learn the skills, knowledge and/or attitudes needed to perform a specific activity. The focus is on assisting the group members to acquire these skills by encouraging the members to carry out the specific activities independently, within a simulated setting in the areas of independent living, leisure and work.
A. Topical Group.
Topical groups—focuses on discussion of activities/issues members are engaged in outside of the group; to enable members to engage in these activities in a more effective, need-satisfying manner (e.g., a parenting skills group for parents of children with disabilities).
B. Instrumental Group- This type of group is maintenance focused. It helps members function at their highest level, for as long as possible. All activities are centered around keeping the person at the highest level of health and functionality.
D. Thematic Group- Designed for the purpose of assisting members to learn the skills, knowledge and/or attitudes needed to perform a specific activity. The focus is on assisting the group members to acquire these skills by encouraging the members to carry out the specific activities independently, within a simulated setting in the areas of independent living, leisure and work.
Michael is a 23-year-old male patient who has been hospitalized in the inpatient psychiatric unit with a new diagnosis of schizophrenia. His symptoms have been unstable and nursing staff have spent a substantial amount of time controlling Michael’s violent behavior to keep him and other patients safe. The OTA finds out that Michael is scheduled to be moved to another room on the unit later in the day. What should the OTA do to help Michael with this transition?
B. Foreshadow the move with Michael so that he is ready for it when it happens. Foreshadowing is an advance warning of what is to come in the future.
Change in Michael’s environment or daily routine could cause Michael stress, which in turn could trigger Michael’s violent behavior. Foreshadowing the move with Michael will help him get used to the fact that change is going to happen, reducing his stress and the risk of more violent behavior.
B. Foreshadow the move with Michael so that he is ready for it when it happens. Foreshadowing is an advance warning of what is to come in the future.
Change in Michael’s environment or daily routine could cause Michael stress, which in turn could trigger Michael’s violent behavior. Foreshadowing the move with Michael will help him get used to the fact that change is going to happen, reducing his stress and the risk of more violent behavior.
What role does the OTA take on in a cooperative group?
C. Adviser.
In a cooperative group, the OTA acts as an adviser. Group members are mutually responsible for giving feedback and meeting group needs. The OTA’s interventions should facilitate group problem-solving, rather than direct the course of actions. Waiting until the group is deadlocked would not benefit group cohesion.
C. Adviser.
In a cooperative group, the OTA acts as an adviser. Group members are mutually responsible for giving feedback and meeting group needs. The OTA’s interventions should facilitate group problem-solving, rather than direct the course of actions. Waiting until the group is deadlocked would not benefit group cohesion.
A patient has recently joined an open support group for veterans. To date, the patient has attended several group meetings and he always listens to what the other members have to say and nods in agreement with them, but he never contributes to the discussion. What is the BEST way to encourage this patient to actively participate in the group process?
A. Invite the patient to join in the discussion if he would like to.
By inviting the patient to join in the discussion if he would like to, the OTA gives him a choice without pressuring him to speak before he is ready. It takes time for someone to feel comfortable sharing personal thoughts. It is inappropriate to pressure for verbal participation before the person is ready.
A. Invite the patient to join in the discussion if he would like to.
By inviting the patient to join in the discussion if he would like to, the OTA gives him a choice without pressuring him to speak before he is ready. It takes time for someone to feel comfortable sharing personal thoughts. It is inappropriate to pressure for verbal participation before the person is ready.
A patient newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder is having trouble coping with her condition. What intervention should the OTA recommend to help the woman adjust to her circumstances?
D. A cooperative group providing support to people with bipolar disorder. Cooperative groups provide an environment where participants can share their emotions and challenges and listen to others as well. Since the patient is newly diagnosed, she needs to be able to express her feelings about her condition with others who understand her issues and may be able to help her work through them. A cooperative support group for people with bipolar disorder will give her this outlet.
D. A cooperative group providing support to people with bipolar disorder. Cooperative groups provide an environment where participants can share their emotions and challenges and listen to others as well. Since the patient is newly diagnosed, she needs to be able to express her feelings about her condition with others who understand her issues and may be able to help her work through them. A cooperative support group for people with bipolar disorder will give her this outlet.
With which disorders is using the psychoeducation model indicated?
A. Schizophrenia, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders.
Psychoeducation refers to the education offered to individuals with a mental health condition and their families to help empower them and deal with their condition in an optimal way. Frequently, psychoeducational training involves individuals with schizophrenia, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, eating disorders, and personality disorders, as well as patient training courses in the context of the treatment of physical illness.
A. Schizophrenia, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders.
Psychoeducation refers to the education offered to individuals with a mental health condition and their families to help empower them and deal with their condition in an optimal way. Frequently, psychoeducational training involves individuals with schizophrenia, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, eating disorders, and personality disorders, as well as patient training courses in the context of the treatment of physical illness.
Which of the groups listed below involves the development of daily living skills as well as work skills, focuses on the here-and-now, and includes learning through doing, activity, and processing?
C. Task-oriented group.
Task-oriented group – Increase the patient’s awareness of their needs, values, ideas, feelings, and behaviors as they engage in a group task. Improve intrapsychic and interpsychic functioning by focusing on problems which emerge in the process of choosing, planning, and implementing a group activity. Understand that a task-oriented group uses a psychodynamic frame of reference to increase intrapsychic and interpsychic functioning; activities are selected to help members examine their behaviors to increase self-understanding.
C. Task-oriented group.
Task-oriented group – Increase the patient’s awareness of their needs, values, ideas, feelings, and behaviors as they engage in a group task. Improve intrapsychic and interpsychic functioning by focusing on problems which emerge in the process of choosing, planning, and implementing a group activity. Understand that a task-oriented group uses a psychodynamic frame of reference to increase intrapsychic and interpsychic functioning; activities are selected to help members examine their behaviors to increase self-understanding.
A man with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder has tested at an Allen Cognitive Level of 5.0. The OTA asks the man to make a birdhouse from a prepackaged craft kit. How would the OTA expect the man to approach completing this project?
A. The OTA would expect the man to attempt to assemble the project through trial and error attempts.
Level 5: Learning New Activity
Global cognition is mildly impaired. The person is able to learn new ways of doing things through trial-and-error problem solving. The person detects the best effect by exploring distinctive properties of objects and trying different actions. New learning is recognized and repeated during the process of doing an activity.
A. The OTA would expect the man to attempt to assemble the project through trial and error attempts.
Level 5: Learning New Activity
Global cognition is mildly impaired. The person is able to learn new ways of doing things through trial-and-error problem solving. The person detects the best effect by exploring distinctive properties of objects and trying different actions. New learning is recognized and repeated during the process of doing an activity.
What are some of the side effects a patient with depression may experience when taking antipsychotic medication?
A. Photosensitivity, orthostatic hypotension, and amenorrhea.
Antipsychotic meds may cause photosensitivity, orthostatic hypotension, and amenorrhea. Antipsychotic medications are used to manage psychosis or conditions that affect the mind, such as hallucinations, or delusions. They can also be used to treat severe depression or bipolar disorder. Like antidepressant medications, antipsychotic medications do not cure depression, or other mental health conditions, they do however offer relief from symptoms and improve quality of life.
A. Photosensitivity, orthostatic hypotension, and amenorrhea.
Antipsychotic meds may cause photosensitivity, orthostatic hypotension, and amenorrhea. Antipsychotic medications are used to manage psychosis or conditions that affect the mind, such as hallucinations, or delusions. They can also be used to treat severe depression or bipolar disorder. Like antidepressant medications, antipsychotic medications do not cure depression, or other mental health conditions, they do however offer relief from symptoms and improve quality of life.
A patient who has been diagnozed with schizophrenia is attending a craft activity group. During the session, the patient suddenly becomes distressed and cries out that they can see snakes crawling up the walls. In this scenario, what is the BEST way for the OT practitioner to respond?
D. Remove the patient from the group and take them to a quiet area. Patients who experience hallucinations need help to understand that what they are seeing is not real. Removing the patient from the clinic and taking her to a quiet area will help filter out external stimuli that may be contributing to the hallucination.
D. Remove the patient from the group and take them to a quiet area. Patients who experience hallucinations need help to understand that what they are seeing is not real. Removing the patient from the clinic and taking her to a quiet area will help filter out external stimuli that may be contributing to the hallucination.
What aspect is the MOST important to evaluate and monitor when working with a patient with borderline personality disorder?
C. Relationships with others.
Borderline personality disorder is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships with other people. People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and may display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly. People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their opinions of other people can also change quickly. An individual who is seen as a friend one day may be considered an enemy or traitor the next. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships.
C. Relationships with others.
Borderline personality disorder is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships with other people. People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and may display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly. People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their opinions of other people can also change quickly. An individual who is seen as a friend one day may be considered an enemy or traitor the next. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships.
An OTA is working with an elderly patient who presents with a cognitive impairment and auditory defensiveness. The patient has been placed in a parallel group to promote some interaction with other members. What intervention strategy would be the MOST effective in terms of helping the patient cope with being in this setting?
C. Earplugs or headphones.
Earplugs or headphones will allow the patient to focus on the activity at hand while other patients are in the facility making noise. Wearing headphones will filter out extraneous background noises and can also be used to play calming music such as Mozart as background music.
C. Earplugs or headphones.
Earplugs or headphones will allow the patient to focus on the activity at hand while other patients are in the facility making noise. Wearing headphones will filter out extraneous background noises and can also be used to play calming music such as Mozart as background music.
In a long-term care facility, a patient with dementia is busy participating in a gardening group with 4 other members. Suddenly, the patient loses interest in the activity and starts to walk back to her room. What action should the OTA take NEXT?
C. Redirect the patient back to the area and activity. It is important to redirect the patient back to the area and task if the patient with dementia starts to wander off. It is also recommended to speak directly to the patient in a calm voice using simple directions.
C. Redirect the patient back to the area and activity. It is important to redirect the patient back to the area and task if the patient with dementia starts to wander off. It is also recommended to speak directly to the patient in a calm voice using simple directions.
An OTA is working with a patient with severe anxiety. The patient demonstrates difficulty with problem solving during simple tasks. What strategies could the OTA use to help the patient with problem solving? Select the best 3 choices.
A. Design activities to provide a just right challenge.
D. Allow the patient to express anxiety regarding problem solving and help the person solve the problem.
F. Have the patient start a structured journal so that he can track problems and solutions.
These strategies will help the patient learn how to solve problems in a structured, supportive and non-threatening way. Written prompts for solving problems will not help the patient learn how to solve problems and should only be used if the patient’s cognitive status is at a level that prevents problem solving. Designing activities to minimize problems does not give the patient the opportunity to solve problems. Placing the patient in a group setting could cause more anxiety for the patient, resulting in less attention to problem solving.
A. Design activities to provide a just right challenge.
D. Allow the patient to express anxiety regarding problem solving and help the person solve the problem.
F. Have the patient start a structured journal so that he can track problems and solutions.
These strategies will help the patient learn how to solve problems in a structured, supportive and non-threatening way. Written prompts for solving problems will not help the patient learn how to solve problems and should only be used if the patient’s cognitive status is at a level that prevents problem solving. Designing activities to minimize problems does not give the patient the opportunity to solve problems. Placing the patient in a group setting could cause more anxiety for the patient, resulting in less attention to problem solving.
An OTA is working with eight women who have been abused by their husbands at a local outpatient clinic. In the beginning of the six-week program, the OTA provides the patients with checklist questionnaires for them to fill out about their leisure activities, communication, and assertiveness. What is the reason the OTA hands out this questionnaire?
A. To identify goals.
The purpose of a questionnaire is to engage the patient in identifying their IADLs and what goals they want to work on in OT.
A. To identify goals.
The purpose of a questionnaire is to engage the patient in identifying their IADLs and what goals they want to work on in OT.
An OTA has received a treatment plan for a patient with a diagnosis of multiple transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), who has scored at a Level 4 on the ACL Screening. The treatment plan includes goals to increase the patient’s independence with her basic ADL tasks. What strategies should the OTA use to help and support the patient in achieving her goals Select the best 3 choices.
B. Place the woman’s ADL supplies and clothing in areas that are within view and easy to access.
C. Provide the woman with a visual schedule to sequence ADL tasks.
E. Label the woman’s drawers and closet with a word and picture pairing of the contents.
A TIA is temporary and people make a full recovery within a short period of time. The length of TIAs differs for individuals but symptoms do not last more than 24 hours. Some people might have more than one TIA and it is possible to have several TIAs in a short space of time (for example, several TIAs within a day).
Patient’s who are functioning at Allen Cognitive Level (ACL) 4 are capable of completing goal-directed actions. They will follow through and complete simple goal directed activities, such as basic ADL tasks. People at this level rely heavily on visual cues and set routines. The strategies listed provide the woman with this type of support.
B. Place the woman’s ADL supplies and clothing in areas that are within view and easy to access.
C. Provide the woman with a visual schedule to sequence ADL tasks.
E. Label the woman’s drawers and closet with a word and picture pairing of the contents.
A TIA is temporary and people make a full recovery within a short period of time. The length of TIAs differs for individuals but symptoms do not last more than 24 hours. Some people might have more than one TIA and it is possible to have several TIAs in a short space of time (for example, several TIAs within a day).
Patient’s who are functioning at Allen Cognitive Level (ACL) 4 are capable of completing goal-directed actions. They will follow through and complete simple goal directed activities, such as basic ADL tasks. People at this level rely heavily on visual cues and set routines. The strategies listed provide the woman with this type of support.
A COTA® working on the inpatient psychiatric unit has begun treatment with Nicole, a 31 year old woman with a diagnosis of severe depression with suicidal tendencies. Nicole was admitted to the unit after a failed suicide attempt. What treatment strategies should the COTA® incorporate to address Nicole’s severe depression? Select the best 3 choices.