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Correct Answer: minimal activities of daily living.
the kleinert protocol is a widely recognized approach in hand rehabilitation, particularly after tendon repair surgeries. this protocol is designed to guide the recovery process through various stages, ensuring that the healing tendon is not overstressed while still promoting movement to prevent stiffness and improve function. at the specific stage of recovery six weeks post-operation, the occupational therapist focuses on safely reintegrating the client into everyday activities without compromising the healing process.
at six weeks post-operation, according to the kleinert protocol, the client can engage in minimal activities of daily living. this includes gentle, controlled tasks that involve light use of the hand, such as dressing, washing, and other personal care activities that do not exert excessive force or require powerful grips. the idea is to maintain mobility and prevent the joints from becoming stiff while still protecting the integrity of the repaired tendon.
it is important to note that at this stage, the use of a dynamic splint, which was likely introduced immediately after surgery, would generally be phased out. initially, a dynamic splint serves to protect the tendon repair while allowing some controlled motion. this motion is facilitated by the splint’s design, which typically involves rubber bands or similar mechanisms to aid in bending the fingers gently without active muscle use. however, by six weeks, as the healing progresses, reliance on such splints is reduced to encourage more active movement under controlled conditions.
as the client moves towards the later stages of recovery, around 8-12 weeks post-operation, the therapist may start introducing more intensive activities. this could include light household chores, like doing laundry, and gradually progressing to more strength-demanding exercises. these activities aim to rebuild strength and functionality in the hand while still being mindful of the healing process to avoid any setbacks.
thus, at six weeks post-operation, the focus under the kleinert protocol is on minimal activities of daily living, helping the client adapt to using their hand in everyday tasks safely. the occupational therapist plays a crucial role in monitoring the client's progress, providing appropriate exercises, and adjusting the treatment plan based on the healing and individual response to the therapy.
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