NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

Marking the end of each step with tape is a highly effective environmental adaptation for a patient with poor visual acuity after hip replacement. This intervention specifically addresses the challenges posed by diminished vision, helping the patient to visually identify the boundaries of each step. By using contrasting tape, the markings can create a clear visual cue that assists in safer navigation, reducing the risk of falls which is crucial for someone recovering from hip replacement surgery.

In rehabilitation settings, the focus often lies in ensuring patient safety and promoting independence. Clearly marking steps provides immediate feedback to the individual, facilitating safer movement and enhancing confidence when ambulating.

While other options provide valuable adaptations, such as installing stair glides or handrails, they do not specifically cater to the patient’s visual impairments in the same immediate and direct way that marking steps does. The instruction on step management, while beneficial for overall safety, may not effectively translate into real-time assistance or visual guidance during the recovery phase when visual acuity is a significant concern. Therefore, marking steps with tape stands out as the most appropriate adaptation in this context.