The patient is admitted with a stroke.The prognosis is uncertain,but the patient is unable to move his right arm and leg.What should the nurse keep in mind?

A) Active range of motion is the only thing that will prevent contractures from forming.
B) Passive range of motion must be instituted to help prevent contracture formation.
C) Range-of-motion exercises should be started 2 days after the patient is stable.
D) Range-of-motion exercises should be done on major joints only.

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Annika von Walden · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  When patients cannot participate in active range of motion,passive range of motion must be instituted to maintain joint mobility and prevent contractures.Passive range-of-motion exercises can be substituted for active exercises when needed.For the patient who does not have voluntary motor control,passive range-of-motion exercises are the exercises of choice.Unless contraindicated,the nursing care plan includes exercising each joint (not just major joints)through as nearly a full range of motion as possible.The nurse should initiate passive range-of-motion exercises as soon as the patient loses the ability to move the extremity or joint.

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