CNA Assisting with Range of Motion Exercises 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident grimaces and says 'ouch' during a ROM exercise. What is the FIRST action the CNA should take?
- Stop the exercise immediately and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Continue the exercise since some discomfort is expected
- Apply a warm compress to the area
- Document the complaint and finish the session
Correct answer: Stop the exercise immediately and notify the nurse
Pain during ROM is a signal to stop immediately and report to the nurse before continuing.
Question 2: Which joint movement describes turning the palm of the hand upward?
- Pronation
- Supination (Correct answer)
- Dorsiflexion
- Eversion
Correct answer: Supination
Supination is the movement that rotates the forearm so the palm faces upward.
Question 3: When performing passive ROM on a resident's knee, the CNA should support the limb:
- Only at the knee joint
- Above and below the joint being exercised (Correct answer)
- At the foot only to allow free knee movement
- By holding the thigh tightly to prevent movement
Correct answer: Above and below the joint being exercised
Supporting above and below the joint provides stability and prevents injury during movement.
Question 4: A resident has a physician order for ROM exercises twice daily. The CNA should perform each joint movement how many times per session?
- 1–2 times
- 3–5 times (Correct answer)
- 8–10 times
- 15–20 times
Correct answer: 3–5 times
The standard range is 3–5 repetitions per joint movement per session unless otherwise ordered.
Question 5: Which of the following conditions is the MOST common reason a physician orders ROM exercises for a resident?
- To strengthen weakened muscles
- To prevent contractures and maintain joint flexibility (Correct answer)
- To improve cardiovascular endurance
- To reduce body weight
Correct answer: To prevent contractures and maintain joint flexibility
ROM exercises primarily prevent contractures (permanent shortening of muscles/tendons) and preserve joint mobility.
Question 6: Active-assistive ROM means:
- The CNA moves the resident's limbs with no resident participation
- The resident performs movements independently without help
- The resident performs the exercise with some CNA assistance (Correct answer)
- A therapist performs all movements while the CNA observes
Correct answer: The resident performs the exercise with some CNA assistance
Active-assistive ROM involves the resident doing as much movement as possible while the CNA provides assistance as needed.
Question 7: Before beginning ROM exercises, which action is MOST important for infection control?
- Put on a gown and mask
- Wash hands or use hand sanitizer (Correct answer)
- Apply sterile gloves
- Disinfect the resident's skin with alcohol
Correct answer: Wash hands or use hand sanitizer
Hand hygiene before and after resident care is the cornerstone of infection control for ROM exercises.
CNA Assisting with Range of Motion Exercises 4
A resident grimaces and says 'ouch' during a ROM exercise.
What is the FIRST action the CNA should take?