Restorative Skills Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. How much fluid should most residents consume daily to support healthy bladder and bowel function? → 1,500 to 2,000 mL per day
2. What is the correct sequence when a resident with a right-sided weakness uses a cane to walk? → Cane forward first, then weak right leg, then strong left leg
3. Which of the following is the correct way to clean and store a resident's personal assistive device between uses? → Clean per facility protocol, allow to dry, and store in the resident's room
4. A resident with Parkinson's disease freezes mid-gait. Which technique often helps them resume walking? → Cue the resident to step over a real or imagined line on the floor
5. When is a resident considered 'totally dependent' in an ADL per MDS guidelines? → Staff perform the activity for the resident with no participation from the resident
6. What information should a nurse aide document after each toileting attempt in a bladder retraining program? → The time of the attempt, whether a void occurred, and the estimated or measured amount
7. A restorative aide is working with a resident on self-feeding. Which approach best reflects restorative philosophy? → Encourage the resident to feed themselves as much as possible
8. What is 'prompted voiding' in a restorative bladder program? → Reminding residents to void at set intervals and praising successful continence
9. Which type of walker provides the most stability for a resident with significant balance impairment? → Standard (pick-up) walker
10. A resident refuses restorative therapy. What should the restorative aide do? → Respect the refusal, document it, and report to the nurse
11. Which abbreviation commonly used in restorative documentation means 'as needed'? → PRN
12. What is the role of family members in a resident's ADL restorative program? → They can be educated and encouraged to support restorative techniques during visits
13. What role does the restorative aide play during interdisciplinary care plan meetings? → Provide input on the resident's functional progress and challenges
14. What is the purpose of range of motion (ROM) exercises in restorative care? → To maintain or improve joint flexibility and prevent contractures
15. What is overflow incontinence? → Leakage that occurs when the overfull bladder cannot empty properly and urine spills over
16. What term describes moving a joint toward the body's midline? → Adduction
17. What is a contracture? → A permanent shortening of muscle and connective tissue causing limited joint movement
18. Which adaptive strategy promotes oral hygiene independence for a resident with moderate hand tremors? → Electric toothbrush with a weighted handle
19. A resident's quad cane has a loose rubber tip. What should the aide do? → Remove the cane from use and report for repair or replacement before the session
20. A restorative aide notices a resident's condition has significantly improved. What is the appropriate action? → Report the improvement to the supervising nurse for potential goal revision
21. What is the minimum recommended frequency for documenting restorative nursing interventions per CMS guidelines? → Monthly
22. What is the correct placement of a gait belt when assisting a resident with ambulation? → Snugly around the resident's waist over clothing, with two fingers fitting underneath
23. Which of the following is an example of a measurable restorative goal? → Resident will ambulate 50 feet with a walker independently within 30 days
24. A resident with severe knee arthritis who cannot fully straighten their elbows would benefit most from which walker modification? → Platform walker (forearm walker) with forearm rests
25. Which sign most indicates that a resident may benefit from a scheduled toileting program? → The resident has frequent incontinent episodes without awareness of the urge
26. A restorative aide notices a resident is now able to button their shirt without any assistance after 4 weeks of training. What should the aide do? → Document the progress and report the functional gain to the supervising nurse
27. Which of the following is classified as a basic Activity of Daily Living (ADL)? → Bathing
28. A resident reports pain of 7/10 during hip ROM exercises. What should the restorative aide do? → Stop the exercise, reposition the resident comfortably, and report to the nurse
29. How frequently should a toileting schedule be evaluated for effectiveness during a bladder retraining program? → At least every 2 weeks
30. What should the restorative aide assess before each ambulation session? → Resident's pain level, alertness, vital signs if indicated, and footwear