Passive range of motion (PROM) are exercises designed to increase the movement possible in a joint or limb by carefully stretching the muscles and tendons. PROM exercises are done 2 – 3 times a day and for short periods of time. The motion of each joint should be isolated from all other joints as much as possible. For instance, to perform PROM of the toes, you would hold the leg still just above the toes so it can not bend. Then gently bend and extend each toe back and forth
several times. Each time you perform the PROM exercises, try to move the joint slighly more than before. However, it is important that you do not cause pain. Pain can cause your pet to resist the exercises and cause swelling. Since these exercises can sometimes cause swelling applying ice packs afterwards is important. With any PROM, a complete range of motion should occur. If the joint or spine is painful, flex or extend only as much as is comfortable for the animal. Each day try to flex and extend the joint or spine slightly further until a complete
range of motion can be done. Signs that the patient is in discomfort include tensing the limb, moving, vocalizing, turning the head toward the therapist, or trying to pull away. Do not cause undue discomfort. Once you complete the PROM exercises you should use ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. If ice packs are not possible, warm packs can be used to reduce pain but this will not reduce swelling. Ice packs can be made with ice in a zip lock bag and covered with a towel. Warm packs can
be made with a aromatherapy pack that is slightly warm to touch. Hot pads should NEVER be use as these can cause painful and serious burns. Performing passive range of motion checks on a patient can indicate the progress of the patient’s recovery and prevent complications from stiff joints. If practical, range of motion exercises should be performed as you give a patient his or her bath. Before you begin, wash your hands. Greet your patient, and explain that you will be checking his or her range of motion by performing several exercises. Then, follow these steps:
For a bed-bound patient, checks should be performed once or twice per day to ensure that joints do not become contracted. If the patient experiences stiffness or an inability to move a joint, it may be an indication of contractures and should be reported immediately. As you perform each test, observe the patient for signs of swelling or inflamation in any of the joints. If your patient reports severe pain or shows signs of respiratory distress while performing tests, notify nursing staff right away. There are six different positions that you can use to perform checks: Supine Position – the patient lies on the back with arms extended to each side. As you perform these checks, monitor the patient for any difficulty completing exercises. Notify nursing staff of any issues right away. Range of motion checks will help your patient to remain more comfortable and prevent complications arising from contractures of joints. Expert Tip by Tanya Glover, CNA When giving bed baths, make sure to do the proper movements during washing. You can also do ROM while dressing your patients. They do not have to do separate duties at all! And remember, while doing ROM for your skills examine, be gentle yet firm. Too soft of a movement shows fear and will not provide the patient with what they need. Too rough or jerky movements will seem uncoordinated and may harm a real patient. Take a deep breath and remember that you DO know what you are doing! Examiners Checklist For This Skill1) Performed beginning tasks. What is the goal of performing prom exercises with residents?ROM exercises put a particular joint through its fun arc of motion. The goals of range of motion exercises are to decrease or prevent contractors or atrophy, improve strength, and increase circulation.
Which of the following is a goal of passive range of motion prom exercises?Some of the most common and safest passive range-of-motion exercises are related to stretching the surrounding muscles with the goal to increase muscle flexibility.
When you are assigned to perform range of motion exercises on a patient you should?Put each joint needing exercise through the range of motion procedure a minimum of three times, and preferably five times. Avoid overexerting the patient; do not continue the exercises to the point that the patient develops fatigue. Some exercises may need to be delayed until the patient's condition improves.
Why would the nurse ask a physical therapist to perform passive ROM?Passive range of motion (PROM): usually performed when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body segment, and the clinician, or family member, moves the body segment.
|