During an OT evaluation, what activity should the therapist have a patient with suspected unilateral neglect complete to assess related deficits?

• A. Demonstrate bilateral grooming
• B. Complete upper and lower extremity dressing
• C. Participate in bilateral reaching tasks
• D. Perform a cooking activity

Answer: (B)

The activity that best assesses unilateral neglect in a patient is having them complete upper and lower extremity dressing. This task requires active engagement and coordinated use of both sides of the body. When a patient is affected by unilateral neglect, they may show difficulty with awareness or use of one side, which can be directly observed during dressing tasks.

Dressing involves complex motor patterns and requires the individual to interact with clothing and their body in a way that engages both sides; thus, any neglect would be evident through incomplete dressing of one side or awkward movements. Evaluating a patient's performance in this activity helps the therapist identify specific areas of neglect that may not be as apparent through other tasks.

While bilateral grooming, bilateral reaching tasks, and cooking activities may also provide insights into a patient's abilities, they may not isolate the neglect as effectively. Grooming and reaching tasks typically involve more symmetry and may not highlight unilateral neglect as clearly, whereas cooking can often be too broad and involves multiple steps, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific deficits related to neglect.