Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Range of Motion: We depend on it! MAY 2010

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2010 Range of motion 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!

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2010 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

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2010 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

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2010 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

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2010 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

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2010 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

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2010 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