In occupational therapy treatment planning for cardiac disorders, which question is most appropriate to address?

• A. What are immediate needs? What do they need to do at discharge? What are the precautions? Prognosis? Is the patient open to lifestyle changes?
• B. What are immediate needs?
• C. What is the patient’s exercise tolerance?
• D. Which medications are prescribed?

Answer: (A)

This item tests how to frame occupational therapy treatment planning for cardiac disorders in a way that guides care from hospitalization through return to daily life. The best choice asks about immediate needs, discharge planning, precautions, prognosis, and the patient’s willingness to make lifestyle changes. This provides a complete framework for setting OT goals that address safe daily participation, anticipated transition home, activity restrictions, and behavior change necessary to improve long-term outcomes. It ensures planning isn't limited to what happens in the next session or to medical management specifics.

Focusing only on immediate needs misses what happens after discharge. Zeroing in on exercise tolerance is useful but too narrow for OT, which centers on daily activities, safety, and adaptation at home or work. Looking at medications is primarily medical management and doesn’t guide OT interventions.