An OT practitioner is working with a client who had a unilateral below-knee amputation 2 weeks ago and wants to be able to resume living alone as soon as possible. To meet this goal, the thera-pist should:

Question

A. Alter the client's preexisting performance patterns.
B. Encourage the client to focus on his former sense of self.
C. Discourage the client's independent process skills.
D. Adapt the client's activity demands.

Answer 1

ANS: D
Neuromuscular and movement-related functions will be altered by lower extremity amputation. Performance skills such as posture, mobility, strength, effort, and energy may be affected. Option (D) is correct because adapting the client's activity demands to meet his current clinical status should be done to facilitate the client's successful reengagement in occupations. Option (A) is incorrect because a client's preexisting performance patterns (e.g., useful habits, routines, roles) can be built on to facilitate return to occupational performance. Option (B) is incorrect with re-gard to the limb loss; the therapy team should help the client adapt to the amputation and create a new sense of self. Option (C) is incorrect because the client's problem-solving ability should be encouraged as approaches to task completion are explored.