Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which therapeutic approach focuses on restoring function and independence?

1. Occupational therapy

2. Speech therapy

3. Physical therapy

4. Recreational therapy

The correct answer is: Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is centered on enabling individuals to regain their independence and functional abilities in daily activities. This therapeutic approach involves assessing a person's daily tasks, such as self-care, work, and leisure activities, and developing targeted strategies to improve their performance and capacity to perform these tasks. The focus is not only on physical abilities but also on cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental factors that may impact a person's function. In occupational therapy, practitioners utilize various techniques and adaptive equipment to help individuals with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions. This could involve teaching them new ways to perform tasks, modifying their environment to facilitate easier access and usability, and providing support to help them navigate challenges in their daily lives. While other therapies like speech therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy also aim to improve certain functions, they have different focal points. Speech therapy primarily addresses communication and swallowing disorders, while physical therapy is mainly concerned with enhancing physical mobility and strength. Recreational therapy focuses on using leisure activities to improve overall well-being and social interaction. Each approach is valuable, but occupational therapy is specifically designed to promote functional independence in everyday life, making it the most suitable answer for this question.