The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a stroke causing total paralysis of the right side. To help maintain joint function and minimize the disability from contractures, passive ROM will be initiated. When should the nurse begin this therapy?
A) After the acute phase of the disease has passed
B) As soon as the ability to move is lost
C) Once the patient enters the rehab unit
D) When the patient requests it

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Passive ROM exercises should begin as soon as the patient's ability to move the extremity or joint is lost. The nurse should not wait for the acute phase to end. It may be some time before the patient enters the rehab unit or the patient requests it, and contractures could form by then.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Had