SMS Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A seating specialist evaluating a client with Friedreich's ataxia should prioritize which intervention for the PRIMARY trunk control challenge? → Lateral trunk supports to manage trunk ataxia and improve midline stability
2. Why is trial equipment often used during the service delivery process? → To ensure optimal equipment fit and function
3. A 'deep tissue pressure injury' (DTPI) in wheelchair users most commonly occurs over which anatomical area? → Ischial tuberosities
4. What is the most important factor when selecting mobility equipment for a client? → Client’s mobility needs and environment
5. Why is proper backrest height important in a wheelchair? → To ensure trunk support and mobility balance
6. Pelvic obliquity in sitting is best described as: → One side of the pelvis higher than the other
7. Which accessory improves safety when transferring into and out of a wheelchair? → Swing-away footrests
8. The SMS (Seating and Mobility Specialist) credential is awarded by: → NRRTS (National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers)
9. Which term describes a pelvis that has rotated forward so one side is more anterior than the other in the horizontal plane? → Pelvic rotation
10. A child with myelomeningocele at the L4 level would MOST likely have which functional lower extremity ability? → Knee extension via intact quadriceps with potential for AFO-assisted ambulation
11. A client using a tilt-in-space system for pressure relief should tilt to at least how many degrees to achieve meaningful pressure redistribution? → 15–25 degrees (typically 30+ for significant relief)
12. The term 'prior authorization' in wheelchair funding refers to: → Payer approval obtained before the device is provided, to confirm coverage
13. Which seating component most directly addresses lateral trunk instability? → Lateral trunk supports
14. How often should a client with full sensation be instructed to perform seated pressure reliefs? → Every 15–30 minutes
15. Which medical condition creates the HIGHEST combined risk for seating-related pressure injury due to simultaneous sensory impairment AND vascular compromise? → Diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy
16. What is a common reason for reassessing a client’s seating and mobility system? → Medical condition changes or discomfort
17. A client with C7 complete SCI has an advantage over C6 in which key seating-related functional area? → Ability to perform push-up pressure relief due to intact triceps (elbow extensors)
18. Which postural deviation is characterized by lateral curvature of the spine? → Scoliosis
19. Which factor most influences the choice between a folding versus rigid frame manual wheelchair? → Transport, storage needs, and client's propulsion ability and activity level
20. Which assessment tool is used in CRT to evaluate a client's participation and quality of life outcomes related to assistive technology? → QUEST (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology)
21. When evaluating a client's home for power wheelchair accessibility, which measurement is most critical for doorway navigation? → Door width compared to wheelchair width plus maneuvering space
22. Which document from CMS provides coverage and coding guidelines for power mobility devices? → Local Coverage Determination (LCD)
23. Which professional typically conducts a clinical mobility assessment? → Occupational or physical therapist
24. Which factor should always be considered when selecting mobility equipment? → User environment and terrain
25. Which organization specifically advocates for CRT as a separate, protected category of DME under Medicare? → National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART)
26. Why is client and caregiver education important during equipment delivery? → To ensure safe and effective equipment use
27. A client with a C6 complete spinal cord injury typically has preserved function in which muscle group? → Wrist extensors (ECRL/ECRB)
28. Which GMFCS level describes a child with cerebral palsy who walks using a handheld mobility device but uses wheeled mobility for longer community distances? → Level III
29. What does 'windswept' hip deformity refer to in seating? → One hip adducted and internally rotated while the other is abducted and externally rotated
30. Under Medicare, which category covers manual and power wheelchairs as Durable Medical Equipment? → Part B