Abduction movement is?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Abduction is defined as the lateral movement of a body part away from the midline of the body.
The term originates from 'ab-' (away) and 'ducere' (to lead or draw), literally meaning to draw away.
A classic example is raising your arm out to the side, increasing the angle between your arm and your torso.
This movement occurs in the coronal (frontal) plane.

Option A: This describes internal (or medial) rotation, which is the movement of a limb around its long axis, turning the anterior surface toward the midline.
Option B: This describes circumduction. It is a complex, conical movement that is a combination of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction in sequence.
Option D: This is the definition of adduction, which is the direct opposite of abduction. The mnemonic 'add' can help remember that the limb is being 'added' back to the body.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of anatomical movements (Abduction) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must accurately document range of motion (ROM) exercises. Using precise terms like abduction and adduction is essential for clear communication and continuity of care.
Post-operative care for total hip arthroplasty often involves using an abduction pillow to prevent adduction, which could lead to dislocation of the prosthesis. Nurses are responsible for ensuring the pillow is used correctly.
Assessing a patient's ability to perform these movements can help identify neurological or musculoskeletal deficits.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question stem, which is 'Abduction'.
Recall the definition of abduction from your knowledge of anatomy and physiology. A helpful mnemonic is to associate 'abduct' with 'taking away'.
Analyze each option to see which one matches the definition.
Option C, 'Moving away from the median line', directly corresponds to the definition of abduction.
Eliminate the other options by identifying the movements they describe: 'Rolling inwards' is rotation, 'moving through a circle' is circumduction, and 'moving towards the median line' is adduction (the opposite of abduction).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 307-309

E6 Osteology InderbirSingh 5e p. 13-15

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.