Question

An OTA is working with a patient in the therapy clinic where an OT aide is working filiing records. The OTA is called to take a phone call in another room. What can the aide do with the pt?

A. Take over providing the therapeutic ax to the patient until the OTA returns
B. Continue filing as the pt will be okay by herself.
C. Sit and talk to the pt until the OTA returns.
D. Provide an a to the pt that the OT aide is trained to provide

Answer 1

The OT aide should sit and talk to the patient until the OTA returns, as they are not trained to provide therapeutic activities and must ensure the patient's safety and comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is a scenario about a patient being left unsupervised when an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) has to take a phone call while an OT aide is present. The role of the OT aide is limited compared to that of an OTA. OT aides are generally trained to provide support services but are not qualified to perform therapy exercises or activities with patients. The most appropriate action for the OT aide to take, in this case, is:

C. Sit and talk to the pt until the OTA returns.

The OT aide should not attempt to take over the therapeutic activities or administer any therapy to the patient as they are not qualified to do so. It would be best for them to provide social interaction and ensure the patient's comfort and safety until the OTA can return. Continuing to file records while the patient is left unattended might risk patient safety, and providing therapeutic activities without proper training could be unethical and potentially harmful.