In a cooking class at the local senior center, Mrs. Gomez, a 74-year-old woman who immigrated to the United States from Mexico at a young age, is experiencing challenges with her favorite activity of daily living, cooking, due to arthritis and kyphosis. She especially loves to make her own vegetable soup and is struggling to chop vegetables. An ergonomic recommendation for Mrs. Gomez is:
A) Electric can opener
B) Placing a nail in a cutting board to stabilize vegetables
C) Buy frozen vegetables
D) Using a food processor

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

IADLs are unique to the environments in which they occur and the responsibilities assumed by the individual within social and cultural contexts. Ergonomic considerations are relevant in the IADL of cooking. This may include the positioning of kitchen equipment, food storage, and basic items used for cooking. The use of electrical kitchen devices, such as can openers and carving knives, can decrease stress on joints in the hands and wrists. Knives with large and/or ergonomically shaped handles and protective blade guards are very useful. Food processors can be used to reduce the pressure on hands for intensive chopping, shredding, slicing, and dicing. Universally designed kitchen implements that have large, cushioned handles to minimize the strain on the hands may be used for preparing foods. Keeping frequently used items within easy reach and avoiding heavy lifting are commonly accepted principles. Simple hints-for instance, sliding heavy pots and pans along the kitchen counter surface-can reduce lifting. Successful transfers of tools and food from one surface to another are an obvious practical concern for many occupational therapy clients to avoid slips and falls.

In a Cooking Class at the Local Senior Center, Mrs