Deck 12: Self-Feeding, Swallowing, and Communication

Question 1

An OTA is working with a client who is experiencing difficulty during the oral preparatory phase of eating. The client is spending increased amounts of time chewing food and cannot seem to move the bolus to the throat for a swallow. What should the OTA initially do to assist this client?

A) Cue for multiple swallows with each bite.
B) Provide smaller bites with softer textures.
C) Provide additional time for each bite.
D) Have the speech-language pathologist, rather than the OTA, work on complex swallowing issues.

Answer 1

Provide smaller bites with softer textures.

Question 2

An OTA is working with a young adult who sustained a TBI. The client would like to be able to eat at a restaurant with friends. Why is it best that the OTA incorporate self-feeding into the treatment plan?

A) Because it shows therapeutic use of self
B) Because it makes the treatment client centered
C) Because self-feeding would be a functional activity
D) Because mealtime is an integral part of daily life, occupations, roles, and routines

Answer 2

Because mealtime is an integral part of daily life, occupations, roles, and routines

Question 3

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) has decided to change a client's diet to mechanical soft. The client has a goal for feeding in the OT plan of care. What should be the OTA's initial step when he hears this news?

A) Change the current goal for the use of a mobile arm support with Min A to utilize the new diet.
B) Discuss ideas for a mechanical soft diet with the SLP only because the SLP is the one changing the diet.
C) Collaborate with the occupational therapist on changing the client's plan of care to match the new need.
D) Assess the client in the OT session as well.

Answer 3

Collaborate with the occupational therapist on changing the client's plan of care to match the new need.

Question 4

An OTA is treating a client who is of a different nationality than the OTA. The client is expressing refusal and displeasure during feeding interventions. Which of the following would BEST benefit the client during intervention?

A) Research the client's culture and self-feeding traditions.
B) Educate the client on the importance of self-feeding skills.
C) Explain that these techniques will make self-feeding easier.
D) Pass the client to another practitioner whom he may like better.

Question 5

An OTA is working with an elderly client with self-feeding and fine motor issues. The client likes to host social events and expressed that she would like to drink from her stemmed glasses when she returns home from inpatient rehabilitation. Which action would best benefit this client?

A) Work on a tripod grasp, and give the client time to practice drinking from her preferred glass.
B) Discuss with the client that she will have more control when drinking from a regular glass.
C) Assist the client with picking out other glasses that could be used during these events.
D) Work on carrying a tray of the stemmed glasses in therapy.

Question 6

Which of the following alternative and augmentative communication devices would serve the most benefit for a client who is easily confused during mealtimes?

A) A placemat with several communication pictures placed on it
B) A notebook for writing requests and questions
C) A dynamic screen-voice output system
D) A device where choices can be typed out

Question 7

An OTA is working with a 67-year-old client who has recently had a CVA, resulting in self-feeding difficulties. The client was a high-powered executive who is rather embarrassed about being fed and is choosing not to eat. Which strategy will best benefit the client?

A) Use of assistive technology and adaptive strategies
B) Role-playing before and during mealtime
C) Having meals in isolation to avoid embarrassment
D) Use of a nasogastric tube temporarily as the client heals

Question 8

A client is having difficulty scooping food onto a spoon due to ataxic movements. Which of the following would the OTA most likely have the client try during meals?

A) Plate guard, curved spoon, suction plate
B) Bendable fork, rubber shelf liner
C) Wrist weights, larger spoon, weighted plate
D) Use of a straw with pureed foods instead of scooping

Question 9

Which of the following foods would be contraindicated for a client who is on a restricted diet of honey-consistency liquids?

A) Oatmeal
B) Applesauce
C) Ice cream
D) Pudding

Question 10

When providing a client with a pureed diet, what should the OTA take into consideration?

A) That the client should only be on honey-consistency liquids as well
B) That the client demonstrates inadequate chewing of foods
C) That the foods will require little manipulation with a knife
D) That the presentation of the foods is appealing

Question 11

An OTA is feeding a client who is coughing after each bite and presents with a gurgling sound to his voice but no coughing after eating. What should the OTA be concerned about when feeding this client?

A) Aspiration
B) Ataxia
C) Anomia
D) Dyspraxia

Question 12

When working as a part of an interdisciplinary team, how would an OTA best collaborate with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) regarding a communication device for a client with dysarthria from muscle weakness due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

A) Positioning of the communication device for a client in his wheelchair
B) Determining the number of simple pictures for the client to use
C) Researching brands of devices available for eye-gaze technology
D) Completing a cognitive assessment to pass the results to the SLP