CNA Assisting with Range of Motion Exercises 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident has had a stroke affecting their right side. During ROM, the CNA should:
- Exercise only the unaffected left side
- Exercise both sides, starting with the unaffected side (Correct answer)
- Skip ROM on the affected side to avoid injury
- Exercise the affected right side only as ordered by the nurse
Correct answer: Exercise both sides, starting with the unaffected side
Both sides are exercised; starting with the unaffected side allows the resident to understand the motion before the affected side is moved.
Question 2: Plantar flexion of the foot refers to:
- Pulling the toes upward toward the shin
- Pointing the toes downward away from the shin (Correct answer)
- Turning the sole of the foot inward
- Turning the sole of the foot outward
Correct answer: Pointing the toes downward away from the shin
Plantar flexion is the movement of pointing the foot downward, like pressing a gas pedal.
Question 3: Which of the following is a sign that ROM exercises should be STOPPED and reported to the nurse?
- The resident's skin feels warm after exercise
- The joint appears swollen and feels hot to the touch (Correct answer)
- The resident becomes slightly tired after the session
- The resident asks questions about the exercises
Correct answer: The joint appears swollen and feels hot to the touch
Swelling and heat at a joint indicate possible inflammation or injury and require immediate reporting.
Question 4: When assisting with shoulder abduction, the CNA moves the resident's arm:
- Toward the body at the side
- Away from the body out to the side (Correct answer)
- Across the body toward the opposite shoulder
- Behind the back
Correct answer: Away from the body out to the side
Abduction moves the limb away from the midline of the body, so shoulder abduction raises the arm out to the side.
Question 5: A resident receiving ROM exercises is in a wheelchair. The CNA should:
- Transfer the resident to bed before any ROM can be performed
- Lock the wheelchair wheels before beginning (Correct answer)
- Raise the footrests only after finishing the session
- Avoid lower extremity ROM in a wheelchair setting
Correct answer: Lock the wheelchair wheels before beginning
Locking the wheelchair wheels prevents the chair from rolling and keeps both the resident and CNA safe during exercises.
Question 6: The term 'extension' as used in ROM exercises means:
- Bending a joint to decrease the angle between body parts
- Straightening a joint to increase the angle between body parts (Correct answer)
- Moving a joint in a circular pattern
- Rotating a limb inward toward the body midline
Correct answer: Straightening a joint to increase the angle between body parts
Extension straightens or opens a joint, increasing the angle, which is the opposite of flexion.
Question 7: How should the CNA position themselves when performing ROM exercises to protect their own body?
- Stand on the far side of the bed and reach across
- Use proper body mechanics with feet apart and back straight (Correct answer)
- Sit on the edge of the resident's bed for easier reach
- Bend at the waist to get closer to the limb being exercised
Correct answer: Use proper body mechanics with feet apart and back straight
Using proper body mechanics — stable base, straight back — protects the CNA from back and muscle injuries.
CNA Assisting with Range of Motion Exercises 5
A resident has had a stroke affecting their right side.
During ROM, the CNA should: