The patient is admitted with a stroke. The outcome of this disorder is uncertain, but the patient is unable to move his right arm and leg. The nurse understands that

Question

a. Active range of motion is the only thing that will prevent contractures from forming.
b. Passive range of motion must be instituted to help prevent contracture formation.
c. Range-of-motion exercises should be started 2 days after the patient is stable.
d. Range-of-motion exercises should be done on major joints only.

Answer 1

B
When patients cannot participate in active range of motion, the nurse must institute passive range of motion to maintain joint mobility and prevent contractures. Passive range of motion can be substituted for active when needed. For the patient who does not have voluntary motor control, passive range-of-motion exercises are the exercises of choice. Unless contraindicated, the nursing care plan includes exercising each joint (not just major joints) through as nearly a full range of motion as possible. Initiate passive range-of-motion exercises as soon as the patient loses the ability to move the extremity or joint.