Range of Motion (ROM)
Range of Motion (ROM) refers to the full movement potential of a joint, measured in degrees. ROM exercises are nursing interventions performed to maintain or improve joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and promote circulation in patients with limited mobility.
Exam Tip
Three types: Active (patient does it), Active-Assistive (with help), Passive (nurse does it). STOP if patient reports pain. Support the joint during exercises. Perform at least once per shift for immobile patients. ROM prevents contractures, DVT, and muscle atrophy.
What Is Range of Motion?
Range of Motion (ROM) is the complete arc of movement that a joint can perform. In nursing, ROM exercises are therapeutic movements performed on or by patients to maintain joint function, prevent complications of immobility, and promote recovery.
Types of ROM Exercises
| Type | Description | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Active ROM (AROM) | Patient performs movements independently | Patients with some mobility who can move joints on their own |
| Active-Assistive ROM (AAROM) | Patient performs movement with nurse assistance | Patients with partial strength or mobility |
| Passive ROM (PROM) | Nurse performs all joint movements for the patient | Unconscious, paralyzed, or unable to move independently |
Major Joint Movements
| Movement | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flexion | Bending/decreasing joint angle | Bending the elbow |
| Extension | Straightening/increasing joint angle | Straightening the knee |
| Abduction | Moving away from midline | Raising arm to the side |
| Adduction | Moving toward midline | Returning arm to side |
| Rotation | Turning around an axis | Turning the head |
| Pronation | Turning palm downward | Rotating forearm palm-down |
| Supination | Turning palm upward | Rotating forearm palm-up |
| Dorsiflexion | Pulling foot toward shin | Ankle flex upward |
| Plantar flexion | Pointing foot downward | Pointing toes |
| Circumduction | Circular movement | Rotating shoulder in a circle |
Nursing Guidelines for ROM Exercises
| Guideline | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Support the joint and limb | Prevents injury to muscles and ligaments |
| Move slowly and smoothly | Prevents pain and muscle spasm |
| Stop if patient reports pain | Pain indicates potential injury |
| Perform each movement 3-5 times | Adequate repetition for benefit |
| Exercise each joint through full ROM | Maintains maximum function |
| Perform at least once per shift for immobile patients | Prevents contractures and complications |
| Use proper body mechanics | Protects both nurse and patient |
Complications of Immobility Prevented by ROM
- Contractures (joint stiffening)
- Muscle atrophy
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Pressure injuries
- Pneumonia (hypostatic)
- Constipation
Exam Alert
ROM exercises appear in the Basic Care & Comfort and Reduction of Risk Potential categories on the NCLEX-PN. Know the difference between active, active-assistive, and passive ROM. Stop exercises if the patient reports pain. ROM exercises prevent contractures, DVT, and other complications of immobility.
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Related Terms
Body Mechanics
Body mechanics refers to the coordinated use of body position, movement, and alignment to prevent injury during patient care activities such as lifting, transferring, and repositioning. Proper body mechanics protect both the nurse and the patient from musculoskeletal injury.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the fundamental self-care tasks that individuals perform daily, including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring (mobility), and continence. Assessing ADLs helps nurses determine a patient's functional status and care needs.
Care Plan (Nursing)
A nursing care plan is a written document that outlines a patient's identified health problems, measurable goals, and specific nursing interventions. It is developed by the RN based on nursing assessment data and guides the entire nursing team in providing consistent, individualized care.
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