FIM FIM Levels of Assistance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The FIM uses a scale that ranges from which minimum and maximum scores per item?
- 0 to 10
- 1 to 7 (Correct answer)
- 0 to 7
- 1 to 10
Correct answer: 1 to 7
Each FIM item is scored on a 7-point ordinal scale from 1 (Total Assist) to 7 (Complete Independence); a score of 0 is not used.
Question 2: Which two FIM levels fall under the category of 'No Helper Needed'?
- 7 and 5
- 6 and 5
- 7 and 6 (Correct answer)
- 7 and 4
Correct answer: 7 and 6
Levels 7 (Complete Independence) and 6 (Modified Independence) both indicate the patient performs the task without another person; levels 1–5 require a helper.
Question 3: Which FIM levels are grouped under 'Complete Dependence,' meaning the patient cannot perform the task without substantial helper effort?
- 3 and 4
- 1 and 2 (Correct answer)
- 1, 2, and 3
- 2 and 3
Correct answer: 1 and 2
Levels 1 (Total Assist) and 2 (Maximal Assist) are classified as Complete Dependence because the helper provides 50% or more of the total effort.
Question 4: A patient performing a wheelchair-to-bed transfer takes more than twice the expected time but requires no physical assistance. Which FIM level applies?
- Supervision (5)
- Minimal Assist (4)
- Complete Independence (7)
- Modified Independence (6) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Modified Independence (6)
Modified Independence (Level 6) is assigned when the patient is independent but takes excessive time, uses an assistive device, or has safety concerns.
Question 5: Which FIM levels make up the 'Modified Dependence' category, where a helper is needed but the patient contributes meaningfully?
- 4, 5, and 6
- 2, 3, and 4
- 3, 4, and 5 (Correct answer)
- 1, 2, and 3
Correct answer: 3, 4, and 5
Levels 3 (Moderate Assist), 4 (Minimal Assist), and 5 (Supervision) form the Modified Dependence category; a helper is required, but the patient does 50% or more of the task (levels 3–4) or needs only non-contact assistance (level 5).
Question 6: 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?
- Minimal Assist (4)
- Maximal Assist (2)
- Supervision (5)
- Moderate Assist (3) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Moderate Assist (3)
Moderate Assist (Level 3) applies when the patient performs 50–74% of the task and the helper provides 25–49% of the effort.
Question 7: What is the key feature that distinguishes FIM Level 6 (Modified Independence) from Level 7 (Complete Independence)?
- The patient needs a helper present
- The use of assistive devices, extra time, or safety considerations (Correct answer)
- The patient performs less than 75% of the task
- Verbal cueing is required
Correct answer: The use of assistive devices, extra time, or safety considerations
Level 6 (Modified Independence) differs from Level 7 (Complete Independence) by the presence of an assistive device, excessive time requirement, or safety risk, even though no helper is needed.
FIM FIM Levels of Assistance 2
The FIM uses a scale that ranges from which minimum and maximum scores per item?