COTA OT Assistant Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for reducing hand fatigue during daily activities?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Gripping utensils tightly while eating. The correct answer is: Gripping utensils tightly while eating. To minimize hand fatigue, it is advisable to maintain a relaxed grip when using utensils. Tightly gripping objects increases strain. Using larger pens, adaptive tools, and electric devices can reduce the effort required, thereby easing hand fatigue.

Question 2

In occupational therapy, when developing a treatment plan for a client with a physical disability, what should be the primary focus?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Enhancing occupational performance. In occupational therapy, the primary aim is to enhance the client's occupational performance, which involves their ability to engage in daily life activities. While client factors and personal goals are important, they do not form the main focus of an intervention plan.

Question 3

An OTA is working with a community stroke rehabilitation team providing guidance to caregivers on client independence with basic self-grooming tasks. At what stage post-stroke would a client typically demonstrate the ability to independently brush their hair and teeth correctly?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Stage 3. In Stage 1 of stroke recovery, clients generally require significant assistance with basic self-grooming tasks. By Stage 2, clients may begin to actively participate but are not yet consistent in performing grooming tasks independently. Stage 3 usually marks a significant improvement, where clients often achieve the ability to independently perform tasks like brushing teeth and hair. In Stage 4, clients typically work on mastering higher-level tasks and fine motor skills.

Question 4

An OTA is working with the parent of a five-year-old child who has been recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The parent is concerned because the child often lines up toys instead of engaging in pretend play. What should the OTA explain to the parent about this behavior?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

This behavior is common among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).. Answer: This behavior is common among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD may display repetitive behaviors such as lining up objects, which can be a preferred activity over pretend play. Recognizing these behaviors helps in tailoring suitable interventions to encourage engagement in a variety of activities.

Question 5

Which phase of motor control, according to Margaret Rood, is exemplified by a child maintaining postural stability while rolling over to pick up a toy?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Heavy work. Heavy work is the third phase of motor control and involves proximal stability with distal movement, as seen in maintaining stability while moving to pick up a toy. Skill involves refined distal movement with stable proximal joints, more advanced than just picking up a toy. Co-contraction is about stability only through the contraction of opposing muscles, such as maintaining posture without movement. Reciprocal inhibition involves reflexive movement patterns and does not require conscious stability or control.

Question 6

What type of wheelchair adaptation is recommended for a patient with C6-C7 spinal cord injury to improve mobility and independence?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Power wheelchair with a hand control interface. Individuals with C6-C7 spinal cord injury benefit from a power wheelchair with a hand control interface, which enhances their ability to navigate independently using their remaining arm and wrist function. Manual wheelchairs may not provide sufficient independence due to limited upper limb function. Reclining wheelchairs and scooters with foot-pedal controls are not suitable as they do not take advantage of the available functional upper limb abilities at this injury level.

Question 7

Which type of adaptive device is most suitable for assisting a patient with a spinal cord injury in managing bathroom tasks independently?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Reacher with a hook. A reacher with a hook is effective for a person with a spinal cord injury, as it extends reach and grasps items more easily, aiding in various bathroom tasks. A buttonhook is primarily used to assist with buttoning clothes, not bathroom tasks. A sock aid helps in putting on socks, while a suction bath mat provides stability in the shower.

Question 8

An OTA is working with a 15-year-old student at a middle school. The student is seeking one-on-one educational support rather than participating in traditional classroom settings. What are some indicators that individual support is more suitable than group-based learning for this student? Select the three BEST responses.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Exhibits frustration aggressively. A student on a behavior management plan may benefit from individual support to address specific needs. If a student frequently interrupts peers and exhibits aggression when frustrated, they might disrupt group learning. Students who excel in group settings and enjoy group activities are suited for group-based learning.

Question 9

Hydration is crucial for maintaining health, especially for older adults. What is an intrinsic factor that may contribute to dehydration in the elderly?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Reduced thirst sensation. Answer: Reduced thirst sensation. As people age, their sensation of thirst decreases, which can lead to dehydration if they do not consciously ensure adequate fluid intake. Other intrinsic factors include illnesses and certain medications that impact fluid balance. The other options are extrinsic factors related to the environment or situation.

Question 10

Who determines the initial objectives when adaptive seating is recommended for a patient in rehabilitation?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Occupational therapist. The correct answer is the occupational therapist. While the entire team collaborates to determine the appropriate adaptive seating, it is ultimately the responsibility of the occupational therapist to establish the goals for its use. The occupational therapist and the OTA can then work together to determine seating configurations. The insights from the patient, caregivers, and team members are valuable, but the occupational therapist finalizes the adaptive seating goals.

COTA OT Assistant Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

More COTA OT Assistant Exam Prep practice questions

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.