Which action is best for the therapist to take in response to an adolescent stating that a prosthesis is annoying to wear?

The best action for the therapist when responding to an adolescent who finds a prosthesis annoying to wear is to work on developing unilateral skills for completing meaningful activities. This approach allows the therapist to focus on the individual’s functional capabilities and self-efficacy, helping them to engage in activities that are meaningful. By emphasizing skills that can be performed without the prosthesis, the therapist can empower the adolescent, fostering independence and confidence in their abilities.

Developing unilateral skills can also serve a dual purpose: it can help the adolescent cope with the annoyance of wearing the prosthesis while still promoting participation in daily activities. This may make the experience of using the prosthesis more relevant and potentially less frustrating, as they can still engage in meaningful tasks and promote a sense of accomplishment.

The other options may not effectively address the adolescent's needs or feelings. For instance, suggesting that they wear the prosthesis at all times may increase frustration and lead to resistance. Taking a break from therapy might prevent opportunities for progress or adaptation. Replacing the prosthesis, while potentially beneficial, may not be immediately necessary and does not directly address the emotions and skills associated with using the prosthesis. Thus, focusing on unilateral skill development represents the most supportive and constructive approach in this scenario.