NBCOT OTR case studies

NBCOT OTR · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The OTR® credential is the national certification NBCOT awards to occupational therapists. NBCOT describes its role as certifying "the knowledge of occupational therapy professionals," and states that individuals who earn and maintain the OTR and COTA certifications "are held to the highest standards for professional competence, public safety, ethical conduct standards, and recertification requirements for continued competence." In practice, an OTR professional has passed a national certification exam, keeps skills current, follows the code of conduct, and provides safe and effective care. The NBCOT OTR case studies are 5 cases and about 3,659 words.

Post-Stroke Day 2: What Can You Actually Evaluate?

R is a 68-year-old on hospital day 2 after a left middle cerebral artery infarct. His chart shows an NIHSS fluctuating between 9 and 14, dense right hemiparesis, global aphasia, and atrial fibrillation on a newly started anticoagulant.

678 words, about 3 min 2

Distal Radius ORIF: A Patient Pushing Past the Protocol

T is a 55-year-old self-employed hairstylist, 6 weeks after volar plate ORIF of a distal radius fracture. She presents with wrist AROM of 25 degrees flexion and 20 degrees extension, 30 degrees supination, visible dorsal edema, and pain 7/10 at end range.

741 words, about 4 min 3

Pressure to Document a Level of Assistance You Did Not Observe

You are three weeks into a new full-time position at a for-profit skilled nursing facility. The rehab director stops you in the hallway: a Medicare Part A resident admitted yesterday 'needs' an OT evaluation documented today showing maximum assistance with ADLs so the facility can capture a higher case-mix payment category.

695 words, about 3 min 4

Hip Fracture, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and a Firm Refusal

L is an 82-year-old, post-op day 4 from ORIF of a right intertrochanteric femur fracture, weight bearing as tolerated. She lives alone in a second-floor walk-up, has a documented MMSE of 23/30 from last year with no dementia workup, and her only daughter lives 90 minutes away.

758 words, about 4 min 5

Four-Year-Old With a Shrinking Food Repertoire

Leo is a 4-year-old referred by his pediatrician for 'picky eating.' He accepts about eight foods - crackers, fries, yogurt, milk, applesauce, plain pasta, nuggets, and cereal bars - and refuses all fruits, vegetables, and meats. He gags and cries when a new food touches his plate and vomited at the table twice in the past month.

787 words, about 4 min