Review 1

Question 1

A pediatric occupational therapist is working with a 10-year-old child on improving their ability to reach forward and touch their toes, as part of a stretching and mobility exercise. The therapist explains that movements like bending forward or backward, such as in toe touches or sit-ups, occur in a specific anatomical plane. The therapist asks the student observing the session to identify which plane the child’s body is moving in during these exercises.

In which anatomical plane does the movement of bending forward to touch the toes primarily occur?

Answer 1

Sagittal plane

Question 2

A 35-year-old woman comes to the clinic complaining of pain in her upper back and difficulty reaching overhead to grab items from a high shelf. The occupational therapist observes that she struggles with lifting her arms and keeping her shoulder stable
during these activities. The therapist explains that the muscle responsible for stabilizing the shoulder and facilitating overhead movements, such as reaching, is not functioning properly. After further evaluation, the therapist identifies weakness in the upper and lower fibers of a specific muscle that assists with elevation and upward rotation of the scapula.

Which muscle is most likely responsible for the patient’s difficulty in reaching overhead due to its role in scapular elevation and upward rotation?

Answer 2

Trapezius

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the importance of core stability in occupational performance?

Answer 3

It is necessary for both proximal stability and distal mobility, enabling safe and efficient movement of the extremities during tasks.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes scapulohumeral rhythm?

Answer 4

The coordinated movement between the scapula and humerus during shoulder motions, such as abduction or flexion

Question 5

Which type of joint is designed to provide significant mobility but generally lacks inherent stability due to minimal contact between its articulating surfaces?

Answer 5

Synovial joint

Question 6

Which of the following unilateral actions is performed by the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle?

Answer 6

Lateral flexion of the head and neck to the same side and rotation to the opposite side

Question 7

Which of the following conditions can result from tightness in the scalene muscles, potentially leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the upper extremity?

Answer 7

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of cancellous bone in weight-bearing bones such as the femur?

Answer 8

It is composed of bony trabeculae that increase the bone’s ability to absorb compressive loads.

Question 9

Which of the following bones serves as an attachment point for muscles involved in speech and swallowing and is suspended in the upper neck?

Answer 9

Hyoid bone

Question 10

Which of the following scapular movements occur during the action of rowing a boat?

Answer 10

Retraction, depression, and downward rotation

Question 11

A 40-year-old warehouse worker comes into the clinic after experiencing lower back pain while lifting heavy boxes at work. The occupational therapist explains that proper lifting techniques are essential to prevent injury, especially to the lumbar spine.
During the therapy session, the therapist demonstrates the correct lifting posture, emphasizing keeping the back straight, maintaining a stable grip, contracting the abdominal muscles, and avoiding trunk rotation while lifting. The therapist then asks the
worker to practice lifting a box using these techniques.

Which of the following is not recommended as part of proper lifting technique to prevent lumbar spine injury?

Answer 11

Rotating the trunk while lifting the object

Question 12

Which of the following is a unique feature of thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 12

They have costal facets on the vertebral body and transverse processes for rib attachment

Question 13

A 40-year-old man is cutting his lawn using a heavy push mower. As he pulls the lawnmower backward, he notices some discomfort in his upper back and struggles to complete the motion. The occupational therapist explains that pulling the lawnmower
backward requires the use of specific muscles in the upper back responsible for scapular retraction (adduction) and posterior tilt, which help stabilize and mobilize the shoulder blades during this action.

Which muscles are primarily responsible for retraction of the scapula when pulling a lawnmower backward?

Answer 13

Rhomboid major, Rhomboid minor

Question 14

Which of the following muscles is part of the rotator cuff?

Answer 14

Subscapularis

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 15

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the natural curvatures of the vertebral (spinal) column and their function?

Answer 16

The alternating curvatures of the spine (lordosis and kyphosis) form an anatomical “S” shape that helps absorb compressive forces, similar to a coiled spring.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Answer 17

It regulates subconscious, involuntary processes such as heart rate, digestion, and body temperature.

Question 18

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 18

It conserves energy and promotes “rest and digest” functions when the body is not in a state of high activity.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of Golgi tendon organs?

Answer 19

They detect tensile force within the tendon and trigger relaxation of the agonist muscle to prevent damage.

Question 20

A 55-year-old woman comes into the clinic complaining of shoulder pain after lifting a heavy box into an overhead cabinet. She describes feeling a sharp pain in her shoulder, which worsens when she tries to raise her arm. The occupational therapist
suspects a rotator cuff tear, as this is the most commonly injured muscle during overhead activities. The therapist explains that the injury may have resulted from the forceful loading of the shoulder in an elevated position.

Which rotator cuff muscle is most commonly injured during overhead activities such as lifting a box into an overhead cabinet?

Answer 20

Supraspinatus

Question 21

Which structure on the proximal end of the humerus articulates with the glenoid fossa of the scapula to form the shoulder joint?

Answer 21

Head of the humerus

Question 22

Which of the following best describes the glenohumeral (GH) joint?

Answer 22

It is a ball-and-socket joint that allows movement in multiple directions, including flexion, extension, and rotation.

Question 23

What is unique about the scapulothoracic (ST) joint?

Answer 23

It is not a typical joint and has no direct bone-to-bone connection.

Question 24

Which of the following muscles is responsible for elevating and protruding the mandible, generating significant force during mastication and speech?

Answer 24

Masseter

Question 25

Which of the following correctly describes the position of the **thumb** in relation to the small finger in anatomical position?

Answer 25

The thumb is lateral to the small finger

Question 26

Which of the following bony landmarks of the **scapula** serves as an **anchor for muscles** that rotate, adduct, and abduct the scapula?

Answer 26

Medial (vertebral) border

Question 27

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) involves compression of nerves, blood vessels, or both as they pass through the thoracic outlet. Which structure is most likely affected in neurogenic TOS, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the upper limb?

Answer 27

Brachial plexus

Question 28

What is the primary role of the sensorimotor system in the body?

Answer 28

It allows sensory input to guide motor output, enabling purposeful movement.

Question 29

A 40-year-old professional singer visits an occupational therapist after experiencing frequent voice strain and hoarseness. She explains that she often has to push her voice to its limits during performances, and recently, her voice has become weak, and she occasionally loses it altogether. The therapist explains that the vocal folds, located in the larynx, are responsible for producing sound by vibrating as air passes between them. Overuse or strain can cause inflammation, leading to temporary voice loss, a condition known as laryngitis. The therapist also discusses strategies to prevent further strain and protect her vocal health. What condition is the singer most likely experiencing due to overuse of her vocal cords, leading to temporary voice loss?

Answer 29

Laryngitis

Question 30

Which of the following functional tasks primarily involves the use of the **intercostal muscles**?

Answer 30

Singing or playing the trumpet

Question 31

What is the primary function of **muscle spindles**?

Answer 31

They detect changes in muscle length and initiate a reflex that contracts the agonist muscle when overstretched.

Question 32

An occupational therapy student is learning about surface anatomy and how it applies to clinical assessments. The instructor explains that surface anatomy helps therapists identify structures that can be felt or seen beneath the skin, which are crucial for evaluations like goniometry and manual muscle testing (MMT). The instructor asks the student to define the term used to describe a bone that protrudes beneath the skin and can be palpated during these assessments. What term is used to describe a specific component of a bone that protrudes beneath the skin and can be palpated during assessments such as goniometry and manual muscle testing (MMT)?

Answer 32

Bony Landmark

Question 33

Which of the following tasks demonstrates the importance of trunk control in maintaining balance during functional activities?

Answer 33

Maintaining balance while reaching overhead to grab an item from a high shelf

Question 34

Which muscle is primarily responsible for **elevating the scapula** during the action of s**hrugging your shoulders**?

Answer 34

Levator Scapulea

Question 35

How many **thoracic vertebrae** are present in the vertebral column?

Answer 35

12

Question 36

Which of the following activities best demonstrates **scapulohumeral rhythm**, the coordinated movement between the scapula and humerus?

Answer 36

Rowing a boat

Question 37

In addition to flexing the trunk, contraction of the **rectus abdominis** also serves to:

Answer 37

Increase intra-abdominal pressure to stabilize the lumbar spine

Question 38

Which of the following accurately describes the **function** of the oral cavity and pharynx?

Answer 38

The oral cavity and pharynx provide a shared pathway for speaking, eating, and breathing.

Question 39

During the **pharyngeal phase** of swallowing, which structure covers the larynx to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway?

Answer 39

Epiglottis

Question 40

Which of the following statements accurately describes the **temporomandibular joint (TMJ)**?

Answer 40

The TMJ is a synovial joint that facilitates movements such as elevation, depression, and lateral deviation of the mandible.

Question 41

A 38-year-old woman visits the clinic complaining of lower back pain, particularly after activities like bending down to pick up her child or standing for long periods while doing household chores. The occupational therapist explains that the muscles responsible for helping her straighten her back after bending forward and providing support while standing are impacted. Which of the following muscle groups is primarily responsible for **extending the spine** and returning the body to a neutral position after flexion?

Answer 41

Erector spinae group

Question 42

A pediatric occupational therapist is evaluating a 6-year-old child who has spastic cerebral palsy. The therapist notes that the child's muscles are consistently tight and demonstrate unregulated contractile signals from the central nervous system, which affect the child's ability to move smoothly. The therapist explains that this condition results in increased muscle tone and asks the student observing the session to identify the term used to describe this condition. What term best describes the **increased muscle tone** resulting from unregulated contractile signals coming from the central nervous system, as seen in the child with spastic cerebral palsy?

Answer 42

Hypertonia

Question 43

Which of the following is a characteristic of the **lumbar vertebrae**?

Answer 43

They are the largest vertebrae, thicker anteriorly, creating a lordotic curvature in the spine.

Question 44

Which of the following best describes the **function of the sympathetic nervous system**?

Answer 44

It is responsible for expending energy during "fight or flight" situations, such as during stress or physical activity.

Question 45

Which of the following best describes the role of **proprioceptors** in the sensorimotor system?

Answer 45

They sense the body's position and movement, sending signals about joint and limb orientation.

Question 46

Which of the following strategies would be **most appropriate** to help a patient maintain a neutral spine and reduce strain on the lumbar region while sleeping **on their back **(supine)?

Answer 46

Place a bolster or pillow under the knees to flex the hips and reduce lumbar spine strain

Question 47

Which of the following **actions** is performed by the **supraspinatus** muscle during activities like **painting overhead or washing your hair**?

Answer 47

Abduct the shoulder and stabilize the head of the humerus

Question 48

Which of the following statements accurately describes the effects of a **spinal cord injury (SCI)** at different levels of the spine?

Answer 48

An injury in the cervical spine typically causes quadriplegia, affecting the arms, legs, and trunk.

Question 49

Which of the following **muscles** attaches to the **scapula** and lies **above** the spine of the scapula?

Answer 49

Supraspinatus

Question 50

A patient presents with numbness and tingling in a specific area of their arm, and the occupational therapist suspects a nerve root compression. The therapist decides to assess the dermatomes to determine if the sensory loss corresponds to a specific spinal nerve root. Which of the following best explains how **dermatome assessment** can help identify the location of a **nerve root compression**?

Answer 50

Loss of sensation in a specific dermatome can indicate compression of the nerve root between the adjacent vertebrae corresponding to that dermatome.

Question 51

Which of the following best describes the function of **efferent neurons** in the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 51

They conduct motor impulses away from the CNS to muscles, causing an effect on the target tissue.

Question 52

Which of the following best describes the difference between **osteokinematics** and **arthrokinematics**?

Answer 52

Osteokinematics involves the large, voluntary movements of bones around a joint, while arthrokinematics refers to the small, involuntary movements between joint surfaces.

Question 53

Which of the following **plexuses** is formed by the ventral rami of spinal nerves C5–T1 and is responsible for innervating the muscles and skin of the upper limb?

Answer 53

Brachial plexus

Question 54

A 58-year-old man visits an occupational therapist after suffering a stroke that left him with difficulty speaking and understanding language. The therapist notices that while the man can speak, his sentences are disjointed, and he struggles to form coherent language. Which of the following conditions is characterized by the **inability to produce coherent language**, as seen in the patient?

Answer 54

Broca's aphasia

Question 55

A 30-year-old woman is walking home late at night when she enters a dark alley. As she walks, she suddenly hears footsteps behind her, getting faster and closer. Her heart begins to race, her palms become sweaty, her breathing quickens, and she feels a surge of adrenaline. Her body prepares to respond to the potential danger, even though she hasn't yet seen anyone. The occupational therapist explains to a student that this automatic response to a perceived threat is triggered by a specific part of the autonomic nervous system. Which part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the **increased heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing** the woman is experiencing as her body reacts to the perceived threat?

Answer 55

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 56

A young patient visits the clinic and mentions difficulty sticking out their tongue far enough to lick an ice cream cone. The therapist observes that the patient struggles with tongue protrusion and explains that this movement is controlled by a specific muscle responsible for pushing the tongue forward. Which muscle is responsible for **protruding** the tongue, allowing someone to lick a popsicle or ice cream cone?

Answer 56

Genioglossus

Question 57

A 45-year-old man comes to the clinic complaining of difficulty moving his head up and down after a minor car accident. He describes pain and stiffness when nodding his head to say "yes." During the assessment, the occupational therapist explains that the joint responsible for the movement of nodding is located between the skull and the first cervical vertebra. Which joint is primarily responsible for the** flexion and extension of the head** (nodding "yes")?

Answer 57

Atlantooccipital (AO) joint

Question 58

In anatomical terms, what is the **volar aspect** of the hand referring to?

Answer 58

The palm of the hand

Question 59

Which of the following is responsible for **producing sound** by vibrating when air passes through them in the larynx?

Answer 59

Vocal folds

Question 60

Which of the following best describes the **oral preparatory** phase of swallowing?

Answer 60

Food is mixed with saliva, chewed, and formed into a bolus.