Performance of active range of motion exercise by a patient admitted in the ward will result in

Appeared in: GMCH - 2015

Explanation

Active Range of Motion (AROM) involves the patient independently moving their joints through their full range of motion.
This action requires voluntary contraction of the muscles to move the limb against gravity or other resistance.
According to the principles of exercise physiology, repeated contraction of muscles leads to an increase in muscle mass, tone, and strength.
While both active and passive ROM improve joint mobility, only active exercise strengthens muscles.

Option A: While gentle movement can sometimes alleviate pain from stiffness, it is not the primary goal of AROM. In cases of acute inflammation or injury, active movement can actually increase pain.
Option B: AROM exercises are typically not intense or sustained enough to create the caloric deficit needed for significant weight loss. This requires aerobic exercises like walking, running, or cycling.
Option C: Nerve regeneration is a complex biological process. While physical activity supports overall neurological health and can aid in functional recovery after nerve injury, it does not directly cause nerve fibers to regenerate.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Benefits of Active Range of Motion (AROM) Exercises to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses must assess a patient's ability to participate in their own care to determine the appropriate type of ROM exercise (Active, Active-Assistive, or Passive).
Promoting AROM in capable patients enhances their independence, prevents complications of immobility like muscle atrophy and contractures, and improves circulation.
Patient safety is paramount. Nurses should instruct patients to stop if they feel pain and should never force a joint beyond its comfortable range of motion.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'active range of motion exercise'.
Understand the definition of 'active' in this context, which means the patient is performing the movement themselves without assistance.
Consider the physiological effect of a person actively contracting their muscles to move a limb. The primary effect of muscle work is building strength.
Evaluate each option against this physiological principle.
Eliminate options that are indirect or incorrect effects. Pain reduction is variable, weight reduction is minimal, and nerve regeneration is not a direct result.
Conclude that the most direct and accurate result of active muscle contraction is the improvement of muscle strength.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Benefits of Active Range of Motion (AROM) Exercises
Stem keywords: active range of motion, exercise, patient
Lead-in keywords: result in
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 335-337

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 98-100

Practise the full GMCH - 2015

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