Question

A home health OTA is working with an elderly patient who presents with generalized weakness? The goal of OT is to ensure the pt's safety in the home so she can continue to live I. Today's session is cooking and the pt has chosen to make a simple meal. Before the pt lifts the pot the OTA places a hot pad on the counter and instructs the pt to slide the pot to the sink. What is the OTA's action an example of?

A. An environmental modification
B. Assistive technology
C. Adaption
D. Compensation

Answer 1

The OTA is using a compensation strategy to adapt the cooking activity in a way that accounts for the patient's generalized weakness, ensuring their safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in the scenario provided is an example of a compensation. A compensation is a strategy used to offset or make up for a patient's limitations or impairments. By placing a hot pad on the counter and instructing the patient to slide the pot rather than lifting it, the OTA is compensating for the elderly patient's generalized weakness. This ensures the patient can perform the task of cooking safely, thereby allowing them to maintain independence in their home environment.