What functional activity could an occupational therapist do for a 38 year old fe

Question

What functional activity could an occupational therapist do for a 38 year old female patient who came to occupational therapy for work hardening? She wants to return to work as a cashier/store clerk/bagger but recently broke her right elbow when she fell. She has decreased elbow active range of motion (90 degrees), decreased right grip/pinch strength, and absent tactile, temperature, and pain sensations in her right hand. (The functional activity should have something to do with work hardening I think)

Thank you!

Explanation / Answer

Answer: The occupational therapist should first set a MOP (Method of practice) that will be used in the case. This includes several methods such as observing the pateint with variuos tools required for returning to work. As a cashier/store clerk, she should be observed for writing and typing test. This model will help to methodically conceptualize the work strategy for productivity. The therapist should set long and short term goals for the patient. Long term goals involves returning to work, while short term goals focus on the capability to work efficiently on type writers and computer key boards, independently take self care such as eating, personal hygeine and meal preparation. The therapist can use interventions, such as a key board for type writing. This would allow the patient to extend her wrist and fingers. Similarly, grip tests with door knobs can prove to be useful for increasing fist strength. Tight biceps have been seen to inhibit elbow movements. Therefore, stretching of biceps can improve range of motion (ROM) and facilitate elbow movements.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.