CNA Assisting with Range of Motion Exercises — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of range of motion (ROM) exercises?
- Build muscle strength for athletic performance
- Maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures (Correct answer)
- Increase a resident's cardiovascular endurance
- Replace physical therapy sessions
Correct answer: Maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures
Range of motion exercises are performed to maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures (permanent joint tightening), and preserve muscle function in residents who have limited mobility.
Question 2: During passive range of motion exercises, who provides the force to move the joint?
- The resident moves their own joints
- The CNA moves the resident's joints for them (Correct answer)
- A physical therapist only
- Specialized exercise equipment
Correct answer: The CNA moves the resident's joints for them
In passive ROM exercises, the CNA moves the resident's joints through their range of motion because the resident is unable to do so independently. No effort is required from the resident.
Question 3: A resident cries out in pain during a ROM exercise. What should the CNA do immediately?
- Continue the exercise — mild pain is expected
- Slow down the movement slightly and continue
- Stop the exercise immediately and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Apply ice to the joint and resume in 10 minutes
Correct answer: Stop the exercise immediately and report to the nurse
If a resident experiences pain during ROM exercises, the CNA must stop immediately and report to the nurse. Pain signals possible injury or a condition that needs medical evaluation.
Question 4: How far should a CNA move a resident's joint during passive ROM exercises?
- As far as possible to maximize flexibility
- Only to the point of resistance or slight discomfort (Correct answer)
- To the point of mild pain to stretch the joint
- Only halfway through the normal range
Correct answer: Only to the point of resistance or slight discomfort
ROM exercises should only be performed to the point of resistance or slight discomfort — never to the point of pain. Forcing a joint beyond its comfortable range can cause injury.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a ROM exercise for the shoulder?
- Dorsiflexion
- Abduction (Correct answer)
- Pronation
- Inversion
Correct answer: Abduction
Abduction — moving the arm away from the body — is a common shoulder ROM exercise. Dorsiflexion applies to the foot/ankle, pronation to the forearm, and inversion to the foot.
Question 6: How many times should each joint movement typically be performed during a ROM session?
- 1 to 2 times
- 3 to 5 times (Correct answer)
- 10 to 15 times
- 20 or more times
Correct answer: 3 to 5 times
Each joint movement is typically performed 3 to 5 times during a ROM session. This is sufficient to maintain flexibility without over-fatiguing or stressing the joint.
CNA Assisting with Range of Motion Exercises
What is the primary purpose of range of motion (ROM) exercises?