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Question 1

NICU

Answer 1

The role of an occupational therapist in the NICU is to:
-Prevention and safety are a priority
-In an interdisciplinary setting, sensory experience is
a key focus.
-Observe and assess the infant’s sensory
responsiveness and neurobehavioral performance
to identify a baseline for sensory aspects
specifically:
-Positioning
-Handling
-Interaction
-Feeding
-Perform a patient evaluation to determine
assessment selection and intervention approach
while using TUOS for rapport building.
-Conduct assessments at points in time to obtain an
accurate medical picture of the infant
(neurobehavioral development for example)
-Observe the infants in different phases
(undisturbed & during routine care) learn regulation
patterns, states of arousal, behavioral and
psychological presentation.
-Promote active participation of parents regarding
care to ensure the infant is safely cared for.

-NICU:
-Positioning
-Sensory
-Family/caregiver
-Feeding

Question 2

Early Intervention (EI)

Answer 2

An OTs role in the NICU could be a precursor to EI. What occurs during care in NICU could be seen as preventative or even preparatory if a child has been diagnosed with a condition that requires special care. EI tends to look at the child’s strengths and deficits to create a program that highlights their strengths to motivate participation and improvement of deficit areas.

EI would be more family-oriented and address the home environment as well as daily routines.
-EI:
-Address delays
-Home: start with positioning and feeding then.
work into play

• In their natural setting – their day-to-day
• Parent – doing most of the work while we “instruct them”

Question 3

Acute Care / PICU

Answer 3

• Evaluate the patient’s current capabilities regarding their occupations
• Reduce the possibility of decline
• Create a personalized treatment plan geared towards the patient function
• Improve functional independence through intervention

OT intervention supports medical priorities and goals for the child by being knowledgeable about the child’s diagnoses, potential precautions, implications of medical procedures, monitoring equipment, and contraindications pertaining to participation in certain activities and positioning. OTs are also versed on how to respond to changes in vital signs, respiratory functions, appearance, or symptoms.

Question 4

Preschool

Answer 4

The typical role of an occupational therapist in preschool is to provide interventions to assist with children meeting their milestones, overcome any sensory, cognitive, and/or motor deficits they may be experiencing, and managing aspects such as self-care, self-regulations, and play, which can all be factors that can add or take away from a child’s academic experience and development.

Question 5

In-Pt Rehab

Answer 5

The OT role within the hospital is usually to work on ADLs and tasks related to independent living, education, and community participation. Through evaluations, OTs develop insight about the child’s function, they can establish intervention priorities, guide development of goals with the child, family, and local care provider. OT focuses on the prevention of problems associated with illness, trauma, or disability, then resumption of the able self, and restoration of lost skills and functions.

Transfer to rehabilitation shift the focus to the child gaining independent training with lifts, mobility devices, and other DME as well as engaging them in group interventions to promote socialization, and engagement.

Question 6

Out-Pt - SI / Pedi Rehab

Answer 6

Reduce pain, increase strength, and improve range of motion. Helping children improve their ability to perform everyday activities by addressing physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges that may hinder their development, including fine motor skills, self-care routines, play skills, and social interaction, often working closely with families to incorporate therapy into their daily lives and routines; essentially aiming to enhance a child’s functional independence across various developmental milestones.

Question 7

Elementary School, Middle School & High School

Answer 7

Focuses on supporting students with developing more complex life skills, including organizational skills, social and communication skills, sensory needs, mental health management, and self-regulation, all aimed at enabling them to fully participate in the academic environment and daily activities within the school setting; they often work closely with teachers to provide strategies and adaptations to support student needs in the classroom.

Question 8

Transition to Adult

Answer 8

Help individuals develop the necessary skills and strategies to successfully navigate significant life changes, such as moving from school to work, independent living, or retirement, by focusing on daily living activities, functional skills, and addressing any challenges related to cognitive, physical, or sensory needs that might impact their ability to transition smoothly.