Restorative Care Challenges
We’ve identified these critical mistakes that students frequently make when answering restorative skills questions:
❌ ROM Exercise Errors:
- Using excessive force
- Not following proper sequence
- Ignoring pain responses
- Continuing beyond prescribed limits
- Wrong joint movement direction
- Missing documentation of exercises
- Failing to monitor vital signs
❌ Transfer and Ambulation Mistakes:
- Skipping gait belt use
- Improper body mechanics
- Working alone inappropriately
- Not checking equipment safety
- Rushing transfers
- Ignoring resident’s capabilities
- Poor communication during transfers
❌ Positioning Errors:
- Incorrect body alignment
- Not using proper support devices
- Forgetting to reposition on schedule
- Improper angle of elevation
- Missing pressure point checks
- Poor documentation of positioning
- Ignoring comfort complaints
❌ Independence Promotion Mistakes:
- Doing too much for residents
- Not allowing enough time
- Discouraging self-attempts
- Missing teaching opportunities
- Rushing through activities
- Not following progressive plans
- Overlooking small achievements
❌ Documentation Oversights:
- Incomplete exercise records
- Missing progress notes
- Not documenting refusals
- Failing to report changes
- Late entries
- Subjective observations
- Poor description of progress
❌ Safety Assessment Errors:
- Not checking vital signs
- Missing fatigue signs
- Ignoring pain indicators
- Skipping equipment checks
- Poor environmental assessment
- Not reporting safety concerns
- Overlooking fall risks
❌ Communication Mistakes:
- Not reporting changes to therapy
- Poor handoff communication
- Incomplete progress updates
- Missing team meetings
- Not involving family
- Failing to explain procedures
- Ignoring resident feedback
❌ Care Plan Implementation Errors:
- Not following prescribed routine
- Changing exercises without approval
- Skipping scheduled activities
- Not checking updates
- Missing contraindications
- Wrong exercise sequence
- Ignoring precautions
❌ Progress Monitoring Mistakes:
- Not tracking improvements
- Missing decline indicators
- Poor observation skills
- Inadequate documentation
- Not reporting changes
- Overlooking small changes
- Failing to update goals
❌ Question Analysis Errors:
- Not reading full scenarios
- Missing key details
- Choosing familiar but wrong answers
- Overlooking safety priorities
- Not considering limitations
- Rushing through questions
Key Points to Remember:
- Safety always comes first
- Follow care plan exactly
- Document thoroughly
- Report changes promptly
- Monitor progress carefully
- Stay within scope of practice
Red Flags in Questions:
- Watch for safety issues
- Notice resident limitations
- Look for proper sequence
- Check documentation requirements
- Consider proper technique
- Identify reporting needs
Common Question Traps:
- Multiple correct answers (find BEST)
- Time-saving shortcuts
- Convenient but unsafe options
- Partially correct procedures
- Common practice vs. best practice
Ready to excel? Continue to ‘Mastering Restorative Care’ for expert techniques.