NBCOT BURNS EXAM PREP QUESTIONS
1. A client in the burn unit sustained deep partial-thickness burns to the bilateral
dorsal hands 1 week ago. What is the BEST position for splinting to prevent
deformity?
A. Volar hand splint with wrist in neutral, metacarpals (MPs) in slight hyperex-
tension, and interphalangeals (IPs) in full extension
B. Volar hand splint with wrist in 30° extension, MPs in 70° flexion, and IPs in full
extension
C. Dorsal hand splint with wrist in neutral, MPs in 90° flexion, and IPs in 50°-70°
flexion
D. Dorsal hand splint with wrist in 30° flexion and MPs and IPs in full exten- sion
Ans: B. Volar hand splint with wrist in 30° extension, MPs in 70° flexion, and IPs in
full extension
2. A COTA is treating a client who had a split-thickness skin graft 2 days ago on
the left posterior axillary area. What postoperative occupational therapy
intervention would be the BEST choice?
A. Perform gentle passive left shoulder ROM to pain tolerance twice daily
B. Perform active left shoulder ROM as tolerated, incorporated into daily
activities.
C. Fabricate an axilla splint with left shoulder in 120° abduction and slight
external rotation
,D. Use a continuous passive motion machine to 120° shoulder abduction Ans: A.
Fabricate an axilla splint with left shoulder in 120° abduction and slight external
rotation
3. A COTA® is providing intervention to a medically stable client who sus- tained
upper-extremity partial-thickness burns of the dominant arm, 5% of the total body
surface area, 2 days ago. Which intervention BEST represents a typical ADL
intervention?
A. Instruct the client in the use of a long-handled spoon and fork and a
built-up-handled knife for self-feeding.
B. Instruct the caregiver to assist the client in self-feeding and grooming tasks to
prevent pain with movement.
C. Instruct the client in donning and doffing a pressure garment sleeve after
applying lotion to the arm.
D. Encourage the client to independently self-feed without the use of adaptive
equipment. Ans: Instruct the client in the use of a long-handled spoon and fork
and a built-up-handled knife for self-feeding.
4. A COTA® is treating a client who burned the bilateral lower extremities 10
days ago. The client refuses to participate in ADLs because of pain. The client rates
the level of pain as 4 of 10 when resting in bed and 7 of 10 when standing.
, What actions are appropriate for the COTA to take? Select the 3 BEST choices.
A. Apply an elastic bandage wrap for vascular support before getting the client out
of bed
B. Report the client's pain levels to the medical doctor and request stronger pain
medication
C. Teach the client alternative pain control methods such as deep breathing and
relaxation techniques
D. Allow the client to perform ADLs while lying in bed, and focus on bed
mobility skills
E. Explain to the client that nonparticipation may lead to an early discharge from
therapy
F. Determine, with the client's help, an acceptable length of time to be out of bed
for ADLs, and alternate in-bed with out-of-bed activities Ans: C. Teach the client
alternative pain control methods such as deep breathing and relaxation techniques
F. Determine, with the client's help, an acceptable length of time to be out of bed for
ADLs, and alternate in-bed with out-of-bed activities
A. Apply an elastic bandage wrap for vascular support before getting the client out
of bed
5. A client sustained a deep partial-thickness burn to the anterior aspect of the
right arm from the hand to the mid-upper arm. A split-thickness skin graft taken
from the thigh was placed on the mid-forearm 3 days postinjury. The COTA®
wants to minimize the risk of graft rejection in the surgical phase, which is up to 7
1. A client in the burn unit sustained deep partial-thickness burns to the bilateral
dorsal hands 1 week ago. What is the BEST position for splinting to prevent
deformity?
A. Volar hand splint with wrist in neutral, metacarpals (MPs) in slight hyperex-
tension, and interphalangeals (IPs) in full extension
B. Volar hand splint with wrist in 30° extension, MPs in 70° flexion, and IPs in full
extension
C. Dorsal hand splint with wrist in neutral, MPs in 90° flexion, and IPs in 50°-70°
flexion
D. Dorsal hand splint with wrist in 30° flexion and MPs and IPs in full exten- sion
Ans: B. Volar hand splint with wrist in 30° extension, MPs in 70° flexion, and IPs in
full extension
2. A COTA is treating a client who had a split-thickness skin graft 2 days ago on
the left posterior axillary area. What postoperative occupational therapy
intervention would be the BEST choice?
A. Perform gentle passive left shoulder ROM to pain tolerance twice daily
B. Perform active left shoulder ROM as tolerated, incorporated into daily
activities.
C. Fabricate an axilla splint with left shoulder in 120° abduction and slight
external rotation
,D. Use a continuous passive motion machine to 120° shoulder abduction Ans: A.
Fabricate an axilla splint with left shoulder in 120° abduction and slight external
rotation
3. A COTA® is providing intervention to a medically stable client who sus- tained
upper-extremity partial-thickness burns of the dominant arm, 5% of the total body
surface area, 2 days ago. Which intervention BEST represents a typical ADL
intervention?
A. Instruct the client in the use of a long-handled spoon and fork and a
built-up-handled knife for self-feeding.
B. Instruct the caregiver to assist the client in self-feeding and grooming tasks to
prevent pain with movement.
C. Instruct the client in donning and doffing a pressure garment sleeve after
applying lotion to the arm.
D. Encourage the client to independently self-feed without the use of adaptive
equipment. Ans: Instruct the client in the use of a long-handled spoon and fork
and a built-up-handled knife for self-feeding.
4. A COTA® is treating a client who burned the bilateral lower extremities 10
days ago. The client refuses to participate in ADLs because of pain. The client rates
the level of pain as 4 of 10 when resting in bed and 7 of 10 when standing.
, What actions are appropriate for the COTA to take? Select the 3 BEST choices.
A. Apply an elastic bandage wrap for vascular support before getting the client out
of bed
B. Report the client's pain levels to the medical doctor and request stronger pain
medication
C. Teach the client alternative pain control methods such as deep breathing and
relaxation techniques
D. Allow the client to perform ADLs while lying in bed, and focus on bed
mobility skills
E. Explain to the client that nonparticipation may lead to an early discharge from
therapy
F. Determine, with the client's help, an acceptable length of time to be out of bed
for ADLs, and alternate in-bed with out-of-bed activities Ans: C. Teach the client
alternative pain control methods such as deep breathing and relaxation techniques
F. Determine, with the client's help, an acceptable length of time to be out of bed for
ADLs, and alternate in-bed with out-of-bed activities
A. Apply an elastic bandage wrap for vascular support before getting the client out
of bed
5. A client sustained a deep partial-thickness burn to the anterior aspect of the
right arm from the hand to the mid-upper arm. A split-thickness skin graft taken
from the thigh was placed on the mid-forearm 3 days postinjury. The COTA®
wants to minimize the risk of graft rejection in the surgical phase, which is up to 7
