Nursing Assistant Monthly
Range of Motion:
We depend on it!
MAY 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
2
What do we mean by range of motion?
Also referred to as ROM, range of motion:
 Describes how far a joint can move in one or more
directions
The human body is designed for motion!
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Range of motion
3
Joint movement
 Some joints are very mobile
 For example: the hip flexes and rotates
 Some joints are semi-mobile
 For example: joints in the backbone move just a bit
 Some joints are fixed
 For example: joints between bones of the skull
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Range of motion
4
Why do ROM exercises?
The goal of range of motion exercises is to
keep movable joints flexible.
Stiff joints:
 Interfere with mobility
 Can cause pain
 Can lead to permanent disability
 Diminish quality of life
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Range of motion
5
Your role as a CNA
Prevention is the best strategy.
CNAs can help by:
 Encouraging residents to do things for themselves
 Incorporating ROM exercises into ADLs
 Inspiring residents to be as active as possible
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Range of motion
6
Active or passive ROM exercises?
Check the nursing care plans or ask the nurse which
residents need help with ROM exercises.
 Active range of motion
 The person does the exercise independently
 Assisted range of motion
 The person does the exercise with partial
assistance
 Passive range of motion
 Someone else moves the extremity without the
person’s assistance
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Range of motion
7
Tips for helping with ROM exercises
 Be gentle
 Watch for signs of discomfort or pain
 For example: facial expression, agitation
 Never force a joint to move that causes the resident pain
 As much as possible, allow the resident to do the exercise
without help, or with minimal assistance
 This helps to strengthen muscles
 Follow your facility’s policies about ROM exercises
 Check with the nurse if you are unsure of a resident’s ability or how
to help with ROM exercises
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Range of motion
8
Document and report
 Be sure to let the nurse know if a resident seems to have pain
or has other complaints related to ROM exercises
 Report any other problems you encounter
 For example: a resident resists care
 Document your care according to your facility’s policies
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Range of motion