NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

Gathering initial assessment data for a toddler with upper extremity concerns is best accomplished through observation of the child during activities in the child-care center. This method allows the occupational therapist to see the child in a naturalistic setting, engaging in play and daily activities. By observing the child in a familiar environment, the therapist can assess how upper extremity concerns affect functional performance and participation.

Observation provides rich qualitative data about the child’s behaviors, interactions with peers, and ability to manipulate toys and objects. This context is crucial because it highlights how the child's upper extremity issues manifest in real-life scenarios, revealing strengths and areas for improvement that might not be evident through standardized testing alone.

While measurement tools for visual-motor skills, dynamometer and pinch meter readings, and functional independence measures hold their own value in assessment, they are often more effective in later stages of evaluation when specific performance skills or impairments have been identified. Initial assessments benefit from an observational approach, as it can guide the therapist in selecting the most appropriate next steps for intervention based on the child’s actual engagement and interaction patterns.