Stats & Scores
A researcher reports a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.82 between two outcome measures used in occupational therapy. What does this indicate?
A. A weak negative relationship
B. A strong positive relationship
C. No relationship between the measures
D. A moderate positive relationship
B. A strong positive relationship
During evaluation, a client consistently refuses to participate in tasks conducted in noisy or crowded areas but engages fully in calm, low-lit settings. What should the OT most appropriately infer from this observation when interpreting assessment results?
A. The client’s participation choices are a sign of defiance and should not influence interpretation
B. The client’s performance in quiet settings should be considered invalid due to environmental modification
C. Environmental preferences are unrelated to functional performance and should be documented separately
D. The client’s sensory processing patterns and environmental sensitivities likely impact occupational performance, and results should be analyzed in relation to these contextual factors
D. The client’s sensory processing patterns and environmental sensitivities likely impact occupational performance, and results should be analyzed in relation to these contextual factors
An OT is gathering information for an occupational profile. Which statement represents qualitative data?
Pt has 15 pounds of grip strength in the left hand.
Pt has 140 degrees of shoulder flexion on the left arm.
Pt reports that she misses baking with her grandchildren.
Pt completed the Timed Up and Go in 12 seconds
Pt reports that she misses baking with her grandchildren.
This client had a standardized depression inventory score in the moderate-to-severe range and reports in interview that mood fluctuations interfere with morning self-care tasks (e.g. grooming). Which of the following should the OT prioritize first?
A. Begin graded activity scheduling to increase routine
B. Refer client to psychiatric services for possible medication review
C. Provide environmental prompts (e.g. checklist, visual schedule) to support morning routine
D. Begin a coping skills group to manage mood symptoms
B. Refer client to psychiatric services for possible medication review
A 65-year-old client presents with mild left-sided hemiparesis following a right CVA. Evaluation findings indicate decreased dynamic standing balance and impaired fine motor coordination in the non-dominant hand. The client identifies preparing meals independently as a primary rehabilitation goal.
Which short-term goal is MOST aligned with client-centered, occupation-based practice principles?
A. The client will improve grip strength to 20 lbs as measured by a dynamometer within 2 weeks.
B. The client will complete standing balance tasks in therapy with moderate assistance within 1 week.
C. The client will prepare a simple cold meal (e.g., sandwich) using bilateral hand coordination with minimal assistance within 2 weeks.
D. The client will tolerate static standing for 10 minutes without postural sway during therapy sessions within 1 week.
C. The client will prepare a simple cold meal (e.g., sandwich) using bilateral hand coordination with minimal assistance within 2 weeks.
A client scores within the average range on a standardized assessment, but reports continued difficulty in daily routines. What is the OT’s BEST action?
A. Disregard the client’s concerns since the score is average
B. Document the average score without additional notes
C. Supplement the results with qualitative observations and client input
D. Repeat the test to check for scoring error
C. Supplement the results with qualitative observations and client input
A client with post-stroke hemiparesis appears disengaged during assessment tasks. What is the most appropriate OT action to ensure accurate interpretation of results?
A. Proceed as planned to maintain test standardization
B. Note the client’s affect and discuss how motivation may have impacted performance
C. Discontinue the session and report that the client was noncompliant
D. Substitute observation findings for standardized test scores
B. Note the client’s affect and discuss how motivation may have impacted performance
During an initial evaluation, a client with multiple sclerosis shares, “I feel embarrassed asking my spouse to help me with dressing. I used to be so independent.” Which action by the OT best demonstrates appropriate use of this qualitative information?
Refer the client to counseling to address emotional concerns
Focus intervention sessions only on upper-body dressing retraining
Incorporate strategies that promote independence and self-efficacy in dressing tasks
Document the client’s statement but prioritize strengthening exercises first
Incorporate strategies that promote independence and self-efficacy in dressing tasks
A client scores 45/56 on a standardized executive functioning test (below average), and during observation, you note frequent task abandonment when cognitive load increases (e.g., multi-step tasks). Which intervention strategy best aligns with both data sources?
A. Use hierarchical cueing (start with maximal cues, then fade)
B. Increase task complexity to force adaptation
C. Focus exclusively on remediation of cognitive deficits (drills)
D. Provide a step-by-step written checklist with external memory aids
D. Provide a step-by-step written checklist with external memory aids
An older adult with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease lives alone and is committed to maintaining independent living. Evaluation reveals deficits in short-term memory and medication management. The client expresses concern about “forgetting to take pills.”
Which intervention MOST effectively addresses the client's occupational needs while promoting safety and autonomy?
A. Educate the client about the cognitive impact of Alzheimer’s disease.
B. Recommend use of a pill organizer with visual cues and scheduled caregiver check-ins.
C. Provide a daily printout of the medication schedule for the refrigerator.
D. Engage the client in cognitive stimulation tasks to promote memory retention.
B. Recommend use of a pill organizer with visual cues and scheduled caregiver check-ins.
An OT notices that many clients score near the top of the scale on an ADL assessment, making it hard to detect further improvement. This is BEST described as:
A. Floor effect
B. Measurement bias
C. Ceiling effect
D. Poor construct validity
C. Ceiling effect
During an assessment, a client demonstrates strong attention and task focus. However, the caregiver reports that at home, the client often becomes distracted and struggles to complete daily activities. What might this discrepancy most likely suggest?
A. The client was exaggerating their abilities during the assessment
B. The clinical environment provided structure and external cues that support performance
C. The caregiver’s report is likely inaccurate due to bias
D. The standardized assessment is invalid for this population
B. The clinical environment provided structure and external cues that support performance
An OT observes that a child frequently avoids eye contact and withdraws from group play but eagerly engages in art activities. What should the OT do next to interpret this qualitative data effectively?
Ask parents about the child’s social participation at home
Begin social skills training immediately
Document the behavior as evidence of poor attention
Use only standardized assessments to confirm findings
Ask parents about the child’s social participation at home
You receive data from a recent grip strength test: right hand = 12 kg, left = 25 kg (normative for age is ~22 kg). In the occupational profile interview, the client reports inability to carry grocery bags (especially on the right) is a major limitation, but also complains of hand pain in the left wrist occasionally. Which goal/intervention planning decision is most justified?
A. Prioritize right-hand strengthening because that deficit is most functionally limiting
B. Begin left wrist pain management first, because pain might limit all future gains
C. Simultaneously progress right-hand strengthening and left wrist pain relief interventions
D. Focus initially on compensatory strategies (e.g. using cart, ergonomic handles) before strengthening
C. Simultaneously progress right-hand strengthening and left wrist pain relief interventions
A 30-year-old client is undergoing outpatient rehabilitation following a moderate TBI. Neuropsychological testing reveals impairments in sustained attention and executive functioning. The client reports frustration about being unable to resume their role as a graphic designer.
Which intervention BEST reflects client-centered practice and supports occupational re-engagement?
A. Training in basic ADLs using structured cueing strategies.
B. Engagement in simulated design tasks incorporating deadlines and multitasking demands.
C. Completion of paper-based attention tasks in a distraction-free environment.
D. Participation in group-based social skills training to improve workplace interactions.
B. Engagement in simulated design tasks incorporating deadlines and multitasking demands.
An OT administers a balance assessment and the client receives a raw score of 15/30. To make the result meaningful, the OT should FIRST:
A. Report the raw score in the documentation
B. Convert the raw score to a scaled or percentile score
C. Compare the score with other clients at the facility
D. Re-administer the test immediately
B. Convert the raw score to a scaled or percentile score
During a standardized assessment, a client appears tense, avoids eye contact, and repeatedly says they “aren’t good at tests.” Their scores fall significantly below expected levels based on prior functioning. What is the most accurate interpretation of these results?
A. The client’s low scores accurately reflect current functional ability
B. The client’s anxiety likely interfered with performance, reducing validity of the results
C. The assessment tool is too difficult and should be replaced with an easier one
D. Anxiety only affects self-report measures, not performance-based tests
B. The client’s anxiety likely interfered with performance, reducing validity of the results
An OT is completing an initial evaluation with a client recovering from a traumatic brain injury. The client’s spouse reports that the client “gets frustrated when trying to cook” and “avoids the kitchen now.” Which action by the OT best demonstrates use of qualitative data from the occupational profile?
Calculating the client’s performance score on a standardized meal prep assessment
Documenting the client’s self-reported frustration and avoidance patterns to identify barriers to participation
Comparing the client’s fine motor scores to normative data
Determining the client’s kitchen safety using an objective checklist
Documenting the client’s self-reported frustration and avoidance patterns to identify barriers to participation
A client’s standardized fall risk assessment yields a “high risk” score. Qualitative data from home observation reveal loose rugs, poor lighting in hallways, and no grab bars near toilet. You also learn the client enjoys gardening outside (which requires navigating uneven surfaces). What is the most appropriate next step in your OT plan?
A. Immediately begin balance training and strengthening within clinic
B. Draft a recommendation list and refer to home modifications specialist / home safety visit
C. Advise the client to stop gardening until safety is improved
D. Add walking program outside (on uneven terrain) to increase challenge
Draft a recommendation list and refer to home modifications specialist / home safety visit
A 16-year-old student with ASD exhibits significant difficulty with transitions between school and home routines. The client states a desire to be more independent and reduce reliance on parental prompts during daily transitions.
What is the MOST appropriate next step in developing an occupation-based, client-centered intervention plan?
A. Implement a visual transition schedule for after-school routines.
B.. Instruct caregivers in environmental modifications to reduce transition-related stress.
C. Provide the client with structured sensory regulation strategies prior to transitions.
D. Conduct a task analysis of transition points to identify specific performance barriers.
D. Conduct a task analysis of transition points to identify specific performance barriers.
5. An OT reviews assessment results and notes the standard error of measurement (SEM) is large. What is the MOST appropriate interpretation?
A. The test has high precision
B. The test results may vary significantly if re-tested
C. The test demonstrates excellent reliability
D. The test is criterion-referenced
B. The test results may vary significantly if re-tested
A client scores low on a standardized test but performs well in daily life at home. What should the OT conclude?
A. The standardized test is invalid and should be discarded
B. Observation data is unreliable compared to test scores
C. The OT should integrate both quantitative and qualitative data to guide planning
D. The client is exaggerating abilities at home
The OT should integrate both quantitative and qualitative data to guide planning
An OT is developing an intervention plan for an adult with chronic pain. Qualitative findings include client reports frustration with being “a burden”; observed to grimace and limit participation in meal prep; client identifies cooking as a valued role activity. Which action best demonstrates integration of qualitative data into client-centered intervention planning?
Prescribe a home exercise program for pain tolerance.
Provide energy conservation education during meal prep tasks to promote role participation.
Schedule only passive treatments to minimize pain.
Focus solely on increasing activity tolerance before addressing roles.
Provide energy conservation education during meal prep tasks to promote role participation.
A client with a recent mild traumatic brain injury completes a battery of tests:
Processing speed score: low average
Working memory: impaired
Self-report interview: “When I get tired, I drop things, lose track of steps, and forget to check on stove.”
Observation in a home simulation: misses steps in cooking sequence, leaves burner on unattended
Given limited therapy hours, which two-pronged plan offers the best balance of safety, function, and efficiency?
A. Focus on remediating working memory with cognitive drills, then transition to strategy training
B. Prioritize strategy training (e.g. chunking, external cues) and embed safety protocols (checklists, stove auto-shutoff)
C. Concentrate solely on compensatory strategy training (skip remediation)
D. Focus on remediation first, delaying functional safety strategies until later
B. Prioritize strategy training (e.g. chunking, external cues) and embed safety protocols (checklists, stove auto-shutoff)
A 74-year-old client is recovering from a posterior hip replacement and is eager to return to independent living. Currently, the client requires moderate assistance for lower body dressing due to movement restrictions. Upper extremity strength and cognition are within functional limits.
Which initial intervention BEST supports the client’s discharge goal of returning home independently?
Train the client in the use of adaptive equipment for lower body dressing (e.g., reacher, sock aid).
Incorporate hip abduction and extension strengthening exercises into daily therapy.
Educate the client in upper body dressing techniques to maximize self-care participation.
Instruct the client in pacing and energy conservation strategies during dressing tasks.
Train the client in the use of adaptive equipment for lower body dressing (e.g., reacher, sock aid).