Module 5 Knowledge Check

While performing range of motion exercises, you notice that the resident’s knee is stiff and will not bend. You should:

• Continue exercises but move onto another joint

• Continue since stiff knees are a normal part of aging.

• Apply very gentle pressure to try to bend the knee slightly.

• Suggest the resident see a physical therapist for their knee.

What is the main purpose of a restorative care program?

• To maintain the resident's medical condition.

• To reduce the need for staff assistance.

• Help the resident improve their level of functioning.

• Provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Answer explanation

Restorative care aims to enhance the resident's functioning level, strength, abilities, and independence. It is crucial to offer opportunities for improvement or adaptation to disabilities. Encouraging and promoting independence is essential for the resident's self-esteem and overall well-being.

Passive range-of-motion exercises are performed by:

• The resident

• A health team member

• The person with the assistance of another

• By the person with an assistive device

Answer explanation

Passive range-of-motion exercieses means another person moves the joints.

Range-of-Motion exercises were ordered for Mr. Wilson. You should do the following except:

• Support the extremity being exercised

• Move the joint slowly, smoothly, and gently

• Force the joint through full range of motion

• Exercise only the joints indicated by the nurse.

Answer explanation

Forcing a joint through its full range of motion during range-of-motion exercises can cause injury and exacerbate existing conditions. It's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and each joint has a unique range of motion that is safe for that individual.

If you force a joint to move beyond its safe range of motion, you risk damaging the joint, ligaments, and other soft tissues surrounding it. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and long-term joint damage.

What is the primary goal of restorative care in nursing homes?

• To provide medical treatment to residents.

• To improve the quality of life for residents.

• To reduce the number of residents in the facility.

• To increase the cost of care for residents.

Answer explanation

The primary goal of OBRA's focus on restorative care in nursing homes is to improve the quality of life for residents. This is achieved through the use of an interdisciplinary team, which works together to provide restorative care. By addressing risk factors in advance, the team can prevent deterioration or declines in residents’ conditions. It is important to note that declines in condition are not normally due to the aging process alone. While providing medical treatment to residents is important, it is not the primary focus of OBRA's restorative care approach. Similarly, reducing the number of residents in the facility is not a goal of restorative care, nor is increasing the cost of care for residents.

When providing restoration, it is important to emphasize weaknesses and disabilities, rather than strengths and abilities.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Nurse aides want to emphasize strengths and abilities when providing restorative services.

Which of the following skills are needed to perform range of motion exercises effectively as a nurse aide? (Choose all that apply)

• Good communication skills with the resident.

• Proper body mechanics to prevent injury to both the resident and the caregiver.

• Knowledge of the specific range of motion exercises prescribed by the resident's healthcare provider.

• Ability to perform the exercises quickly to save time.

Answer explanation

A, B, and C are all skills needed to perform range of motion exercises effectively. Good communication skills are essential when performing range of motion exercises, as it is important to explain to the resident what is happening and what they should expect. Proper body mechanics are necessary to prevent injury to both the resident and the caregiver during the exercise. Knowledge of the specific range of motion exercises prescribed by the resident’s healthcare provider is also essential to ensure that the exercise is performed correctly and with the appropriate technique. Performing the exercises quickly may cause injury or discomfort to the resident and is not a skill that is necessary for performing range of motion exercises effectively.

When observing residents for restorative measures, which of the following should nurse aides look for? (Check all that apply)

• Signs of physical decline or functional limitations.

• Changes in social interactions or mood.

• Behaviors that could indicate a need for increased assistance or support.

Answer explanation

Restorative measures aim to maintain or improve the physical, psychological, and social functioning of residents. Therefore, nurse aides should look for signs of physical decline or functional limitations, such as difficulty with activities of daily living or decreased mobility. They should also observe changes in social interactions or mood, as these can indicate a decline in psychological functioning or quality of life. In addition, nurse aides should be aware of behaviors that could indicate a need for increased assistance or support, such as changes in appetite, sleep, or participation in activities. By observing these factors and reporting them to the care team, nurse aides can help identify areas where restorative interventions may be needed to maintain or improve residents' functioning and well-being.

Which of the following is a reason why it is important to prevent a decline in ADLs?

• It leads to an increase in staff workload.

• I can result in higher costs for residents.

• It can cause complications associated with immobility.

• It can lead to an increase in resident social activities.

Answer explanation

It can cause complications associated with immobility. Declines in ADLs can lead to complications associated with immobility, such as incontinence and pressure injuries, which can have a negative impact on a resident's physical health. These complications can be costly to treat and can result in a longer recovery time for the resident. Therefore, it is important to prevent declines in ADLs to promote the resident's overall health and well-being.

How can you encourage a resident's participation in a restorative procedure?

• Provide only verbal encouragement.

• Explain the procedure to the resident and its benefits.

• Force the resident to perform the procedure.

• Dismiss the resident's concerns or questions.

Answer explanation

Restorative procedures can be challenging for some residents, and you can play a crucial role in encouraging their participation. One effective strategy is to explain the procedure to the resident in a clear and simple way, using language that the resident can understand. You can also emphasize the benefits of the procedure, such as increased independence, improved mobility, or better overall health. This approach can help the resident feel more comfortable and motivated to participate in the restorative procedure, leading to better outcomes. Providing only verbal encouragement may not be enough, forcing the resident to perform the procedure can cause harm, and dismissing the resident's concerns or questions can undermine their trust and confidence in you.