ALS: Eval and Intervention

Question 1

In evaluating clients with ALS, obtain specific levels of ____ and the client’s goals and priorities;

Answer 1

function

Question 2

In evaluating clients with ALS write goals that focus on

Answer 2

minimizing symptoms’ effect on occupational performance.

Question 3

As the disease advances, interventions

expand from the person with ALS and his or her performance to the ____

Answer 3

the physical and social environ-

ment.

Question 4

Appropriate evaluation tools for clients with ALS

Answer 4

a. ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS CNTF Treatment Study Group, 1996)
b. Purdue Pegboard Test (Tiffin, 1968)
c. Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (Smets, Garssen, Bonke, & De Haes, 1995)
d. Dysphagia screening and testing
3. Complete reevaluations as needed as the disease progresses

Question 5

Treatment approaches for clients with ALS should be ___ in nature

Answer 5

compensatory

Question 6

Compensatory treatment approaches are those that focus on

Answer 6

adapting to disability and preventing secondary complications. Goals center on keeping the person as active and independent as possible
for as long as possible”

Question 7

Appropriate intervention approaches for clients with ALS

Answer 7

Home evaluations and home safety assessments
Collaboration with the client and family on many aspects of intervention.
Safety, including positioning, transfers, and skin integrity
Augmentative communication equipment
Assessment and management of dysphagia
d. Social participation
e. Equipment and environmental modification needs

Question 8

Exercise for ALS can include (Forwell et al., 2008, p.

1095).

Answer 8

active, active-assisted, and passive ROM; strengthening; endurance; stretch-
ing; and home breathing exercise programs, depending on the stage of ALS

Question 9

a. A neck collar or universal cuff is used for ______ during self-care or fine motor tasks.

d. Voice-operated or hands-free technology can be used for everyday tasks such as using the com-
puter, making phone calls, or locking doors.

Answer 9

upper-extremity stability

Question 10

b. Mobility aids (foot-drop splint, cane, walker) minimize exertion during ambulation, compensate for lower-extremity weakness, and reduce risk of falls.

Answer 10

Know this

Question 11

cThe ideal wheelchair for clients with ALS is

Answer 11

high backed and reclining, lightweight, turns in a small space, and offers support for the head, trunk, and extremities.

Question 12

As ALS advances, the client may consider a ______ with adaptable controls that is easily maneuvered with tilt or recline and head, trunk, and extremity support.

Answer 12

power wheelchair