NCLEX RN Simulated Exam Test Bank Related

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A patient is asked to abduct her arms. Which of the following accurately describes her arm movement?

  • A. She moves her arms away from her trunk
  • B. She moves her arms toward her trunk
  • C. She rotates her arms at the wrists while holding them away from her body
  • D. She crosses her arms over her abdomen
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Abduction refers to moving a body part away from the midline of the body. In this case, when the patient abducts her arms, she is moving them away from her trunk. Choice A is correct. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B describes adduction, which is the movement of a body part toward the midline. Choice C describes wrist rotation, not arm abduction. Choice D describes crossing the arms over the abdomen, which is not the movement associated with abduction.