Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Rehabilitation Concepts for Chronic and Disabling Health Problems Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Rehabilitation Concepts for Chronic and Disabling Health Problems related questions and content

A nurse performs passive range-of-motion exercises on a semiconscious client and meets resistance while attempting to extend the right elbow more than 45 degrees. Which action should the nurse take next?

  • A. Splint the joint and continue passive range of motion to the shoulder only.
  • B. A passive range of motion to the right elbow and the right knee back to the right.
  • C. Apply weights to the right distal extremity before initiating any joint exercise.
  • D. Continue to move the joint only to the point at which resistance is met.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Moving a joint beyond the point at which the client feels pain or resistance can damage the joint. The nurse should move the joint only to the point of resistance to prevent injury. Splinting the joint will not assist the client's range of motion and may restrict it further. The option of passive range of motion to the elbow and knee is unclear and not a standard practice. Applying weights to the extremity will not increase range of motion and could cause harm.