Which of the following items is considered a tool in occupational therapy?

Scissors are considered a tool in occupational therapy because they are specifically used to facilitate various occupational tasks, particularly those that involve fine motor skills, precision, and dexterity. In occupational therapy practice, tools are items that practitioners use to enable clients to complete tasks and activities that support their therapeutic goals. Scissors can support a range of activities from arts and crafts to functional tasks that help improve hand strength and coordination.

While the other items have relevance in occupational therapy, they serve different purposes. Dishes may be used in activities of daily living (ADLs) related to cooking and meal preparation but are not categorized as tools in the same way scissors are. Paints could be considered materials used for creative expression and therapeutic activities but do not function as tools that directly assist in executing tasks like scissors do. Money, while important for financial management or planning activities, is not a tool in the context of providing occupational intervention. Therefore, scissors are the clear choice as an essential tool utilized in facilitating therapeutic activities within occupational therapy.