A client is scheduled for a functional assessment using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The client asks the nurse, "What is the purpose of the FIM?" Which nursing response is appropriate?

Choice A reason: It is a tool that is used to determine your maximum level of self-sufficiency as the appropriate nursing response, as it accurately describes the purpose and function of the FIM. The FIM measures how much assistance you need to perform 18 activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, toileting, walking, and communicating. The FIM helps to evaluate your functional status, monitor your progress, and plan your rehabilitation goals and interventions. ¹²³

Choice B reason: It is a test that determines which activities you feel most comfortable performing is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not reflect the objective and standardized nature of the FIM. The FIM is not a subjective or self-reported measure of your preferences or comfort level, but rather an observational and rating scale that assesses your actual performance and independence in various tasks. The FIM uses a 7-point ordinal scale that ranges from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence) and requires trained and certified raters to administer and score it. ¹²³

Choice C reason: It is a tool used by insurance companies to determine qualifications for medical reimbursement is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not capture the primary purpose and benefit of the FIM. The FIM is not a financial or administrative tool that determines your eligibility or coverage for medical services, but rather a clinical and research tool that measures your functional outcomes and quality of care. The FIM provides a uniform system of measurement for disability based on the International Classification of Impairment, Disabilities, and Handicaps and allows for comparison and evaluation of different rehabilitation programs and settings. ¹²³

Choice D reason: It is a tool that is used to assess what services you will need a home health aide to perform for you is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not reflect the comprehensive and multidimensional scope of the FIM. The FIM is not a specific or limited tool that assesses only your home care needs or dependence on others, but rather a general and broad tool that assesses your functional abilities and disabilities in various domains and environments. The FIM covers both motor and cognitive aspects of functioning, such as comprehension, expression, social interaction, problem-solving, and memory. The FIM can be used with all diagnoses within rehabilitation and can be applied across different levels and settings of care.