CDS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which action constitutes 'record tampering' in a disability case file? → Backdating a progress note to appear as though it was written on an earlier date
2. The 'interactive process' required under ADA accommodation law involves: → A good-faith dialogue between employer and employee to identify effective accommodations
3. Which domain is NOT typically assessed in a comprehensive Activities of Daily Living (ADL) evaluation? → Vocational aptitude testing
4. Which of the following is NOT a feature of a text-to-speech software? → Converts speech into written text.
5. A client with MRSA is being assisted with personal care. Which PPE combination is required? → Gloves and gown
6. What is the primary purpose of regulatory compliance in professional practice? → To protect public safety and ensure minimum standards of care
7. A client with a disability requires assistance with oral care. To reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, which technique is MOST effective? → Suctioning secretions before and after oral care
8. Which of the following is an example of assistive technology for communication? → Speech-generating device.
9. Which entity typically has authority to establish practice standards? → State licensing boards and professional regulatory bodies
10. How do case managers ensure service coordination is effective? → By maintaining consistent communication between the individual and providers.
11. A client's case file contains a record of a past substance use disorder. Under 42 CFR Part 2, this information: → Requires a specific written consent separate from a general HIPAA authorization
12. Under HIPAA, what right does a patient with a disability have regarding their own medical records? → The right to inspect and obtain a copy of their records
13. Range-of-motion exercises for a client with a complete cervical spinal cord injury are primarily indicated to: → Prevent contractures and maintain joint mobility
14. What is a key consideration when assessing disability severity? → The degree to which it affects daily living activities.
15. A battery-powered communication device shows significantly reduced talk time between charges. This symptom most likely indicates: → Battery degradation requiring replacement
16. Which factor most commonly causes power wheelchair joystick drift (the chair moves without user input)? → Joystick calibration offset due to damage or wear
17. Which of the following best describes the role of a vocational evaluation in disability assessment? → Assessing transferable skills, aptitudes, and work potential for employment planning
18. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to ensure their electronic and information technology is accessible to: → Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities
19. Which anatomical term describes the position of the elbow relative to the wrist when the arm is in anatomical position? → Proximal
20. Which assistive technology is classified as a Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) enabling deaf individuals to communicate by phone with hearing individuals? → TTY/TDD with relay operator
21. Which factor is MOST important to consider when interpreting pain rating scales in disability evaluations? → Consistency of ratings across multiple assessments and functional observations
22. Which of the following best describes 'supported employment' for individuals with significant disabilities? → Competitive integrated employment with ongoing support services
23. A client experiences spasticity following a stroke. This condition involves: → Velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to upper motor neuron damage
24. A specialist must transport a client in a wheelchair through a facility. Which safety measure is MOST critical? → Locking the wheelchair wheels before the client transfers
25. A provider wants to enroll a patient with a physical disability in a clinical trial. The key ethical requirement before enrollment is: → Voluntary informed consent from the patient
26. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) primarily expanded the law by: → Broadening the definition of 'disability' to cover more conditions
27. For a client with C5 tetraplegia, which adaptive equipment is typically trained during occupational therapy as a priority for independent feeding? → Mobile arm support (MAS) or balanced forearm orthosis with adapted utensils
28. Under the ADA, which entity is responsible for enforcing Title I employment provisions? → Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
29. Which environmental modification BEST reduces fall risk for a client with lower extremity weakness in the bathroom? → Installing a raised toilet seat with armrests
30. Which OSHA standard is most directly applicable to workers who regularly perform mechanical patient lifts? → Safe Patient Handling guidelines under the general duty clause