NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

Baking cookies following a recipe is the most appropriate meal preparation activity to address sequencing skills for a client with cognitive deficits because it requires the individual to engage in a clear and structured sequence of steps. This activity typically involves multiple stages, such as measuring ingredients, mixing, baking, and cooling, which makes it an effective way to practice and reinforce the process of following a sequence.

Each step is sequentially dependent on the previous one, thereby encouraging the individual to understand the logical flow of tasks. This structured format can help the client to focus on one step at a time, making it easier to comprehend the overall task. Furthermore, the tangible and immediate result of baking—cookies—can enhance motivation and provide positive reinforcement once they are completed.

In contrast, planning a meal may involve broader decision-making and may not provide the same level of structured guidance that baking does. Setting the table, while it does involve a sequence, is simpler and may not challenge the cognitive skills as effectively. Preparing a shopping list, on the other hand, requires a different cognitive process focused on organization rather than the execution of a sequential task. Thus, the comprehensiveness and step-by-step nature of baking cookies makes it the best choice for addressing sequencing skills first in this context