NBCOT OT Exam Prep 2026 practice questions and answers. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21An occupational therapist develops a sensory diet for a student to promote classroom engagement. What does this represent?
✓ Correct answer: A. Intervention
Interventions are services provided by occupational therapists to facilitate client engagement in occupations. Through providing a sensory diet, the occupational therapist is providing intervention to promote classroom engagement.
Q22A client with a C5 spinal cord injury is currently using a power wheelchair. The OTR wants to promote independence in mobility for this client. What is the MOST appropriate intervention technique for the OTR to use?
✓ Correct answer: D. Teaching the client how to use alternative control options on the power wheelchair
A client with a C5 spinal cord injury typically has limited or no hand function. Therefore, using alternative control options on a power wheelchair, such as a chin control or a head array, would be the most appropriate intervention technique to promote independence in mobility for this client.
Q23A new occupational therapist has been falsifying documentation of client sessions to indicate that the sessions were longer than they actually were. This is a clear violation of which ethical principle?
✓ Correct answer: C. Veracity
The ethical principle that the occupational therapist has violated is veracity. Veracity refers to providing comprehensive, accurate, and objective information when representing the profession. By falsifying documentation, the therapist is not being truthful and honest about the actual length of the client sessions.
Q24Which treatment modality is most appropriate for reducing inflammation and pain in an acute sprain?
✓ Correct answer: C. Ice pack
An ice pack is a form of cryotherapy. Cryotherapy can assist with decreasing inflammation and pain, so it is most appropriate for an acute injury. Heat packs, paraffin, and warm water whirlpool modalities are all superficial heat modalities and not appropriate for acute injuries, as they would increase inflammation.
Q25What is the appropriate muscle grade for a patient who demonstrates muscle tension but no movement during range of motion attempts?
✓ Correct answer: C. 1
A grade of 1 is given to muscles that demonstrate muscle tension but no movement during range of motion attempts. Grade 0 indicates flaccidity and no strength, grade 2 indicates full range of motion only in a gravity-eliminated position, and grade 3 indicates muscle breaks immediately with force and completes full range of motion.
Q26Which physical agent modality is contraindicated in pregnant women and individuals with malignant tumors?
✓ Correct answer: C. Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the only modality that uses conversion to transfer heat and reach depths of 4 to 5 cm below the skin. This modality is also contraindicated for patients who are pregnant, have underlying metal implants, malignant tumors, or infections. The other options do not use a conversion mechanism and do not have the same associated precautions. Lasers transfer heat through radiation, fluidotherapy transfers heat through convection, and paraffin transfers heat through conduction.
Q27Which PNF movement pattern involves shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation, scapula adduction, and upward rotation?
✓ Correct answer: B. D2 flexion
D2 flexion involves flexion of the shoulder that progresses toward the same side of the moving arm, with an ending position of shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. In this position, the scapula is in adduction and upward rotation. D1 flexion involves flexion of the shoulder that progresses toward the opposite side of the moving arm, with an ending position of shoulder flexion, adduction, and external rotation. D1 extension involves extension of the shoulder that progresses toward the same side of the moving arm, with an ending position of shoulder extension, abduction, and internal rotation. D2 extension involves extension of the shoulder that progresses toward the opposite side of the moving arm, with an ending position of shoulder extension, adduction, and internal rotation.
Q28What is an example of indirect supervision of an OTA by an OT?
✓ Correct answer: A. Phone conversations
Indirect supervision of an OTA by an OT refers to supervision that is not provided in person. This can include phone conversations, video conferences, written notes, or emails. Observing skilled intervention, working together on treatment interventions, and reviewing plans of care and goals are examples of direct supervision, which is provided in person.
Q29At what age can a child first be expected to participate in dressing by beginning to put on a simple shirt and socks?
✓ Correct answer: D. 2 years
At 2 years of age, a child can begin to participate in dressing by putting on a simple shirt and socks. They can also help pull down pants, take off a coat, and identify the armholes on a shirt. At 1 year of age, the child begins to participate in dressing by removing shoes and socks and extending their limbs out when the parent begins to put clothes on. At 3 years of age, a child can doff and don shoes and socks and remove their own pants, but may need a little help with shirts. At 4 years of age, a child can typically dress themselves with the exception of difficult fasteners and shoelaces.
Q30The style of a specific task plays a major part in determining the ability to learn a motor skill. Which is an example of a closed task?
✓ Correct answer: B. Giving yourself a manicure
Closed tasks are completed in familiar environments that have minimal variability. Painting nails at home is a task completed in a familiar and consistent environment. The other options are all tasks completed in environments subject to change.
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Theory