Before discharge, a patient with multiple sclerosis requiring training in bathing, dressing, and eating should be seen by which professional?

Before discharge, a patient with multiple sclerosis requiring training in bathing, dressing, and eating should be seen by which professional?

• A. A social worker
• B. An orthotist
• C. An occupational therapist
• D. A home health nurse

Answer: (C)

Focusing on enabling independence in self-care tasks is the job of the occupational therapist. They assess how the patient performs activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, identify barriers such as weakness, fatigue, or coordination issues, and teach strategies to manage these tasks safely at home. This includes energy-conservation techniques, step-by-step task breakdowns, and using adaptive equipment (like built-up utensils, shower chairs, or grab bars) to facilitate independent care. In multiple sclerosis, where fatigue and motor changes can vary, OT interventions target practical daily function to ensure a safe, feasible discharge plan. Other professionals have important roles—social workers arrange resources, orthotists provide braces and assistive devices, and home health nurses handle medical care at home—but the training of ADLs is best suited to the occupational therapist.

Focusing on enabling independence in self-care tasks is the job of the occupational therapist. They assess how the patient performs activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, identify barriers such as weakness, fatigue, or coordination issues, and teach strategies to manage these tasks safely at home. This includes energy-conservation techniques, step-by-step task breakdowns, and using adaptive equipment (like built-up utensils, shower chairs, or grab bars) to facilitate independent care. In multiple sclerosis, where fatigue and motor changes can vary, OT interventions target practical daily function to ensure a safe, feasible discharge plan. Other professionals have important roles—social workers arrange resources, orthotists provide braces and assistive devices, and home health nurses handle medical care at home—but the training of ADLs is best suited to the occupational therapist.