NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

For a client recovering from a hand injury, which activity would best facilitate dexterity improvement?

1. Writing with a pencil

2. Squeezing a sponge

3. Sorting small objects

4. Using a pair of scissors

The correct answer is: Sorting small objects

Sorting small objects is an ideal activity for facilitating dexterity improvement, particularly for clients recovering from hand injuries. This activity requires the use of fine motor skills, such as pinching, grasping, and manipulating small items, which are vital for enhancing hand coordination and control. As clients engage in sorting, they practice the precise movements necessary for improving finger dexterity and hand sensitivity. Additionally, sorting small objects can be tailored to the client’s abilities, allowing for progressive challenges. For example, the size, shape, and texture of the objects can be adjusted to gradually increase difficulty. This adaptability supports continuous improvement while ensuring that the activity remains engaging and relevant to the client. While writing with a pencil, squeezing a sponge, and using scissors can also require fine motor skills, sorting small objects specifically emphasizes a wider range of motion and manipulation techniques necessary for dexterity enhancement. Writing might involve more static movements, squeezing a sponge can be less about precision, and cutting requires a degree of strength and stability that may not be as beneficial for all clients in the early stages of dexterity recovery. Thus, sorting small objects stands out as the most effective option for working on dexterity in the context of rehabilitation following a hand injury.