FIM Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. The FIM is used to guide rehabilitation goal-setting primarily by? → Establishing baseline function and tracking progress toward independence
2. Which FIM transfer score indicates a patient requires only verbal cueing or standby assistance with no physical contact? → 5
3. In US Medicare policy, FIM scores at admission to an IRF are used primarily to? → Classify patients into Case Mix Groups (CMGs) for payment
4. 'Complete dependence' on the FIM refers to which score levels? → 1 and 2
5. 'Intra-rater reliability' in FIM assessment means? → Consistency of one rater's scores across multiple assessments of the same patient
6. A patient who requires frequent reminders (more than 50% of the time) to remember daily routines would receive a FIM memory score of? → 3
7. In FIM, the bed/chair/wheelchair transfer item specifically assesses moving between? → Bed or chair and wheelchair
8. When a FIM rater cannot directly observe a patient performing a task, how should the score be determined? → Use caregiver or nurse report combined with clinical judgment
9. The 'FIM+FAM' instrument extends the FIM by adding items primarily to assess? → Cognitive, behavioral, and community integration domains
10. A patient uses a colostomy bag independently but needs help to clean and replace it twice a day. What is their FIM level for bowel management? → Moderate Assistance
11. A patient who consistently makes safe and appropriate decisions without assistance receives a FIM problem solving score of? → 7
12. In FIM, social interaction refers to the ability to participate appropriately in which situations? → Therapeutic and social situations
13. Which FIM level indicates that the helper must perform 75% or more of the task because the patient contributes less than 25%? → Total Assist (1)
14. The FIM motor subscale has a maximum score of? → 91
15. A patient can walk more than 150 feet independently but uses a walker for stability. What is their FIM score for walking? → Modified Independence
16. At FIM Level 3 (Moderate Assist), what percentage of effort does the helper provide? → 25–49%
17. A patient can propel their wheelchair over 50 feet independently but needs assistance to go longer distances. What is their FIM level for wheelchair mobility? → Minimal Assistance
18. In the FIM framework, 'no helper' levels include scores of? → 6 and 7
19. A patient who requires contact guard assistance for tub transfers but performs 75% or more of the task would receive a FIM score of? → 4
20. FIM transfer scoring requires the evaluator to assess performance based on? → What the patient actually does, not what they can do
21. In FIM, problem solving refers to resolving problems related to? → Daily living and safety
22. When comparing FIM scores across different rehabilitation programs, the most important factor ensuring valid comparison is? → Standardized FIM training and reliable scoring across all raters
23. A patient who rarely makes appropriate decisions and frequently makes unsafe choices would receive a FIM problem solving score of? → 2
24. In FIM, a score of 6 (Modified Independence) may be assigned when the patient? → Uses an assistive device independently
25. A therapist assists a patient with 40% of the effort during lower extremity dressing while the patient completes the remaining 60%. Which FIM level is assigned? → Moderate Assist (3)
26. At FIM Level 4 (Minimal Assist), what minimum percentage of the task must the patient perform? → 75%
27. In FIM, a patient who understands only simple, routine conversation would receive a comprehension score of? → 4
28. A patient requires physical help to wash their back and lower body but can wash their upper body without help. What is their FIM score for bathing? → Moderate Assistance
29. A patient using an augmentative communication device independently to express complex ideas would receive a FIM expression score of? → 6
30. The FIM cognitive subscale has a maximum score of? → 35