Restorative Care Fundamentals

Restorative skills questions typically comprise 7% of your exam. Here’s what you need to know:

Core Restorative Concepts:

• Range of motion (ROM) exercises
• Ambulation assistance
• Transfer techniques
• Positioning and alignment
• Muscle strengthening
• Independence promotion
• ADL maintenance

Types of ROM Exercises:

• Passive ROM
• Active ROM
• Active-assisted ROM
• Joint movements
• Exercise limitations
• Proper documentation
• Safety measures

Mobility Assistance:

• Proper body mechanics
• Gait belt use
• Assistive devices
• Walking techniques
• Balance support
• Fall prevention
• Progress monitoring

Positioning and Alignment:

• Body alignment
• Pressure relief
• Contracture prevention
• Comfort measures
• Position changes
• Support devices
• Safety considerations

Independence Promotion:

• Self-care encouragement
• Proper assistance levels
• Positive reinforcement
• Goal setting
• Progress tracking
• Motivation techniques
• Safety awareness

Documentation Requirements:

• Exercise completion
• Resident participation
• Progress notes
• Changes observed
• Complications
• Resident response
• Follow-up needs

Safety Considerations:

• Exercise limitations
• Pain recognition
• Fatigue signs
• Equipment safety
• Environmental hazards
• Emergency response
• Proper techniques

Team Collaboration:

• Following care plan
• Reporting changes
• Communication with therapy
• Progress updates
• Family education
• Goal coordination
• Documentation sharing

Key Exam Focus Points:

Exercise Performance:

• Proper technique
• Safety measures
• ROM sequences
• Resident tolerance
• Progress monitoring
• Documentation

Safety Priorities:

• Proper body mechanics
• Equipment use
• Environmental safety
• Resident capability
• Pain monitoring
• Fall prevention

Quality Indicators:

• Proper technique
• Independence promotion
• Safety measures
• Progress documentation
• Team communication
• Goal achievement

Remember These Important Points:

1. Safety before progress
2. Follow care plan exactly
3. Document accurately
4. Report changes promptly
5. Promote independence
6. Monitor tolerance

The Exam Will Test Your Ability To:

• Perform exercises safely
• Promote independence
• Monitor progress
• Document accurately
• Recognize limitations
• Communicate effectively

Critical Concepts to Master:

• ROM techniques
• Transfer methods
• Positioning principles
• Documentation requirements
• Safety measures
• Progress monitoring

This overview covers the fundamental restorative skills concepts you’ll encounter on the CNA exam. Questions will often present scenarios requiring you to demonstrate your understanding of proper techniques, safety measures, and progress monitoring.

Excellent start! Let’s tackle common challenges in ‘Restorative Care Challenges’.