Programs

Blog

Passive Range of Motion Exercises

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

  1. Perform hand hygiene.
  2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ask for his or her assistance in following directions.
  3. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
  4. Assist the patient into a supine position.
  5. In the following exercises, move the patient’s joints in a natural motion and stop at the point of resistance. Do not continue the motion if the patient reports pain.
  6. Repeat each exercise a minimum of three times.
  7. To exercise the shoulder, keep the arm straight and support the patient’s arm by holding the elbow and wrist.
    • Raise the arm above the patient’s head (flexion) and return arm in the same path to the patient’s side (extension).
    • Move the arm laterally away from the patient’s body (abduction) and return arm to patient’s side (adduction).
  8. To exercise the elbow and forearm, hold the patient’s wrist and elbow.
    • Bend at the elbow to allow the patient’s hand to touch the shoulder (flexion). Straighten the arm (extension).
    • Turn the palm downward (pronate) and rotate it upward (supinate).
  9. To exercise the wrist, fingers, and thumb, hold the patient’s wrist with one hand and use the other hand to guide the fingers.
    • Bend the hand up (extension) and down (flexion).
    • Turn hands inward toward the thumbs (radial flexion) and outward toward the pinky (ulnar flexion).
    • Keep the thumb parallel to the index finger (adduction) and move the thumb laterally away from the index finger (abduction).
    • Turn the thumb inward toward the palm (flexion) and back out (extension).
    • Touch each finger to the thumb (opposition).
    • Make a fist (flexion) and straighten fingers (extension).
    • Separate the fingers (abduction) and bring them back together (adduction).
  10. To exercise the hip, straighten the leg and support at the knee and ankle.
    • Slightly raise the leg off the bed and move the leg away laterally away from the other leg (abduction). Bring the legs back together (adduction).
    • Carefully rotate the leg inward (internal rotation) and outward (external rotation).
  11. To exercise the knee, support under the knee and ankle. Slide the patient’s ankle toward the thigh (flexion) and straighten the leg (extension).
  12. To exercise the ankle and toes, support the ankle and use the other hand to guide the toes.
    • Pull the patient’s toes up toward the legs (dorsiflexion) and push down toward the ground (plantar flexion).
    • Bend the sole of the foot inward (supination) and outward (pronation).
    • Curl the toes down (flexion) and straighten them (extension).
    • Separate the toes (abduction) and return them (adduction).
  13. Assist the patient into a comfortable position and lower the bed.
  14. Perform hand hygiene.
  15. Document the procedure in the patient’s chart and report any changes in the patient’s condition to the nurse.

Important Information

Range of motion exercises are used to help prevent or decrease contractures, improve flexibility of joints, and improve strength [1]. Bedridden patients as well as those with reduced mobility may greatly benefit from passive range of motion exercises. However, do not perform these exercises without an order to do so, as it may be contraindicated in certain situations. To avoid injuring the patient, always follow the correct procedure, make natural motions, and stop when resistance is encountered.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482407/

More Resources

Moving the Resident to the Side of the Bed

Residents are usually kept in the center of the bed for safety reasons. However, moving a resident to the side of the bed is an important step to take before turning a resident onto his or her side. Performing this action allows the resident to end up side lying in the center of the bed and not smashed up against the side rail.

Transferring the Resident from a Bed with a Mechanical Lift

A mechanical lift is used to transfer residents who cannot support their own weight. When used properly, mechanical lifts prevent injuries for both residents and health care workers. It is important that a nurse’s assistant be trained to use the mechanical lift before attempting to operate it. Most facilities require at least two health care workers to assist when using a mechanical lift.

Measuring the Apical Pulse

The apical pulse rate is the most accurate non-invasive measurement of heart rate because it is measured directly over the apex of the heart. Apical pulse is preferred in cases when the radial pulse is difficult to palpate, when the pulse is irregular, greater than 100 beats per minute, or less than 60 beats per minute when measured by other means (electronic, radial, etc.).

Measuring the Respirations

Respiration is a vital sign that is measured frequently in the healthcare setting. Taking this measurement requires no equipment and relatively little time. However, it is a measurement that must be taken accurately, as a change in respiration may indicate the worsening of a patient’s condition.

Indwelling Catheter Care

Indwelling catheters allow urine to drain from the bladder. They are used when residents are unable to urinate on their own or when the process of cleaning the resident after urination would be difficult for the resident to tolerate (such as during end of life care). Caring for the catheter appropriately is a vital part of preventing infection and skin breakdown.

Dressing and Undressing a Patient

Patients who have suffered a stroke or have weakness or injury to one side of their body may struggle with dressing and undressing. In order to help these patients regain their strength and independence, it is important that the nurse’s aide only assist them as needed. The nurse’s aide may need to teach patients how to dress and undress safely with their limitations.

Find CNA Programs in Your State

Find LPN/LVN Programs in Your State

Find Medical Assisting Programs in Your State

Find RN Programs in Your State

Find MSN Programs in Your State

Find NP Programs in Your State

Find DNP Programs in Your State

Graduate-Level Concentrations