Exam 3: The Continuum of Care and the Changing Healthcare Environment

Historically, health care has been delivered in a first-curve format. With the Baby Boomer population reaching age 65, however, health care is beginning to utilize a second-curve format. What would an OTA delivering services through this format most likely be focused on?

A 76-year-old client has just received a total hip replacement and will be discharged from the acute care setting after a 3-night stay in accordance with reimbursement policies. The OTA documents that the client has good rehabilitation potential and will be working on ADLs, with the goal of returning to the community. What setting will best fit the needs of this client?

An OTA is employed by a hospital that has a good reputation in the community. The majority of clients who are discharged go to their next setting to continue to recover. Members of the hospital staff strive to prevent readmissions because the hospital will receive a penalty if a client is readmitted with the same diagnosis. In which type of healthcare system is this OTA employed?

An OTA has just completed treatments, and she is beginning to document client progress. The OTA must provide daily documentation on all of the treatments and utilizes the Functional Independence Measure when reporting treatment data. In which setting is this OTA most likely employed?

A 34-year-old client has just sustained multiple traumatic injuries during a motor vehicle accident. Which setting will the client most likely be transported to for care?

An OTA is working with a client in a home health setting. Because there is a 60-day window of treatment and reimbursement for this setting, what is the OTA most likely going to document at the end of each treatment session?

An OTA is working with a client in the long-term acute care setting. The client has been cleared for out-of-bed activities, and since this is a priority the OTA is working with the client on the goal of sitting unsupported at the edge of the bed for 5 min while performing ADLs. The OTA realizes that the client is having a difficult time meeting this goal due to his changing medical status. How can the OTA best grade this treatment down?

A 52-year-old client is about to be discharged from inpatient rehabilitation. The client has overall weakness and is not able to drive or get about in the community. What setting will most likely be recommended for continuation of the client's care?

An OTA is assisting with discharge planning for a 47-year-old client who has experienced a TBI and who is currently in acute care. The client is showing improvement with ADLs and has the potential to return to his previous occupations. The OTA deems that the client will be able to tolerate 3 hours of therapy a day. What setting will the OTA most likely recommend for the client to be discharged to?

An OT practitioner is working with a resident in a long-term care setting. The client was previously able to self-propel her wheelchair independently; however, due to physical decline, she is no longer able to do so. What would the OTA expect that the occupational therapist would write in the client's treatment plan?