Mobility, Positioning, And Range Of Motion

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NCLEX-RN › Mobility, Positioning, And Range Of Motion

Questions 1 - 10
1

A 74-year-old client with osteoporosis is admitted after a vertebral compression fracture. The client reports back pain 8/10 with movement, lower extremity strength 5/5, and requires assistance turning in bed. Which positioning technique should the nurse use to prevent complications?

Place the client in a high-Fowler position and allow sliding down in bed to reduce pressure on the spine

Twist the client at the waist while turning to reduce the need for multiple staff members

Use logrolling to turn the client while keeping the spine aligned and supporting the head, shoulders, and hips as a unit

Delegate turning to unlicensed assistive personnel because the client’s legs are strong

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a client with a vertebral compression fracture. The priority concern is maintaining spinal alignment during movement to prevent further injury and manage pain. Using logrolling to turn the client while keeping the spine aligned and supporting the head, shoulders, and hips as a unit is the best choice as it minimizes torsion, reduces pain, and protects the fracture site. Option B is incorrect because twisting risks displacement; option C is incorrect as high-Fowler and sliding increase pressure; option D is incorrect since delegation overlooks specialized technique needs. The decision-making principle is to apply alignment-preserving methods like logrolling for spinal injuries. This involves coordinating multiple staff for safe execution. A transferable strategy is to evaluate pain with movement and incorporate protective turning techniques into plans for clients with skeletal instability.

2

A 75-year-old client in a skilled nursing facility has a history of peripheral vascular disease and is mostly chair-bound. Assessment shows muscle strength 3/5 in lower extremities, limited ankle dorsiflexion, pain 2/10, and reddened areas on both ischial tuberosities after prolonged sitting. Which positioning technique should the nurse use to prevent complications?

Apply talcum powder to reddened areas to decrease friction and moisture

Use a donut-shaped cushion to reduce pressure on the ischial tuberosities while sitting

Reposition the client at least every 2 hours in bed and encourage weight shifts every 15 minutes when seated, using pressure-reducing cushions

Keep the client seated upright in the chair for most of the day to promote lung expansion

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a chair-bound client with peripheral vascular disease. The priority concern is preventing pressure injuries on the ischial tuberosities from prolonged sitting and limited mobility. Repositioning the client at least every 2 hours in bed and encouraging weight shifts every 15 minutes when seated, using pressure-reducing cushions, is the best choice as it distributes pressure, improves circulation, and reduces skin breakdown risk. Option A is incorrect because donut cushions can increase pressure peripherally; option C is incorrect as prolonged sitting worsens risks; option D is incorrect since talcum powder does not address pressure. The decision-making principle is to implement frequent repositioning and offloading for seated clients to mitigate vascular and immobility effects. This involves educating on self-shifts and using supportive cushions. A transferable strategy is to monitor sitting duration and skin changes, integrating pressure-relief routines into daily care for mobility-limited individuals.

3

A 46-year-old client with a spinal cord injury at T6 is admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit. The client has paraplegia with lower extremity strength 0/5, intact upper extremity strength 5/5, no lower extremity sensation, and reports no pain. Which action should the nurse take to improve client mobility?

Limit lower extremity movement to prevent spasticity and focus only on upper extremity exercises

Perform passive range of motion of the hips, knees, and ankles daily and use footboards or splints to maintain functional alignment

Position the client with pillows under the knees continuously to prevent muscle tightening

Delegate range of motion to family members without instruction to promote independence

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a client with paraplegia from spinal cord injury. The priority concern is preventing contractures and maintaining lower extremity alignment in the absence of sensation and strength. Performing passive range of motion of the hips, knees, and ankles daily and using footboards or splints to maintain functional alignment is the best choice as it preserves joint mobility, prevents deformities, and supports future rehabilitation potential. Option B is incorrect because limiting movement exacerbates spasticity and contractures; option C is incorrect as delegation without instruction risks errors; option D is incorrect since pillows under knees promote flexion contractures. The decision-making principle is to employ regular range of motion and supportive devices for insensate limbs to mitigate immobility effects. This involves scheduling interventions consistently and monitoring for skin integrity. A transferable strategy is to collaborate with rehabilitation specialists to design mobility plans that include preventive positioning for long-term function.

4

An 83-year-old client with severe osteoarthritis of both knees is admitted to a rehabilitation unit after a fall. The client reports knee pain 8/10 when the legs are fully extended, has knee flexion limited to 70 degrees bilaterally, and muscle strength 4/5 in both legs. Which positioning technique should the nurse use to prevent complications while alleviating pain?

Use a small pillow or rolled towel under the calves to float the heels and support comfort, while avoiding prolonged knee flexion

Place pillows under the knees continuously to maintain flexion throughout the day and night

Position the client supine with legs flat and apply firm restraints to prevent knee movement

Keep the client in a high-Fowler position with knees sharply flexed to reduce joint stiffness

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a client with severe knee osteoarthritis. The priority concern is alleviating pain while preventing pressure injuries and contractures from prolonged immobility. Using a small pillow or rolled towel under the calves to float the heels and support comfort, while avoiding prolonged knee flexion, is the best choice as it reduces heel pressure, maintains alignment, and minimizes contracture risk without exacerbating pain. Option A is incorrect because continuous knee flexion promotes contractures; option B is incorrect as restraints are inappropriate and flat positioning may increase pain; option D is incorrect because sharp knee flexion in high-Fowler can worsen stiffness and pressure. The decision-making principle is to position joints in neutral alignment with minimal support to balance pain relief and mobility preservation. This includes regular reassessment of pain and joint range to adjust positioning as needed. A transferable strategy is to use pain scales and mobility assessments to customize positioning plans that promote comfort and prevent secondary complications like skin breakdown.

5

A 66-year-old client is post-operative day 1 after a right total knee arthroplasty. Assessment shows pain 6/10, knee flexion limited to 45 degrees, quadriceps strength 3/5, and the client is hesitant to move the operative leg. What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention for this client's mobility needs?

Request an order to discontinue physical therapy until pain is minimal

Encourage early mobilization and prescribed knee range of motion exercises, coordinating analgesia timing to facilitate participation

Assess capillary refill every hour before initiating any movement of the operative leg

Keep the operative knee immobilized in a flexed position to reduce pain and swelling

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a post-operative knee arthroplasty client. The priority concern is promoting joint mobility and strength to prevent stiffness while managing pain. Encouraging early mobilization and prescribed knee range of motion exercises, coordinating analgesia timing to facilitate participation, is the best choice as it improves flexion, reduces hesitation, and enhances functional outcomes. Option B is incorrect because immobilization worsens stiffness; option C is incorrect as discontinuing therapy delays recovery; option D is lower priority since capillary refill does not preclude exercises. The decision-making principle is to synchronize pain control with mobility interventions for optimal engagement. This involves assessing readiness through strength and pain levels. A transferable strategy is to collaborate with pain management and therapy teams to time interventions, ensuring consistent progress in orthopedic rehabilitation.

6

A 64-year-old client is 12 hours post-operative after a total hip arthroplasty and is ordered to ambulate with physical therapy. The client has pain 6/10 with movement, left lower extremity strength 3/5, and becomes unsteady when attempting to stand; blood pressure is stable and oxygen saturation is 97% on room air. What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention for this client's mobility needs?

Use a gait belt and assist the client to stand and ambulate with a walker, ensuring weight-bearing status is followed

Teach the client to avoid hip flexion greater than 90 degrees and to use an abduction pillow when in bed

Request an order for a stronger opioid dose before attempting any mobility activity

Assess the surgical dressing for drainage before assisting the client out of bed

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a post-operative hip arthroplasty client. The priority concern is promoting safe early ambulation to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and deconditioning while managing pain and instability. Using a gait belt and assisting the client to stand and ambulate with a walker, ensuring weight-bearing status is followed, is the best choice as it supports safe mobility, enhances circulation, and aligns with post-hip surgery protocols for optimal recovery. Option A is lower priority because requesting stronger opioids delays mobility without addressing the immediate need; option B is incorrect as it focuses on precautions but not the priority of ambulation; option C is incorrect because dressing assessment, while important, does not directly facilitate mobility. The decision-making principle is to prioritize progressive mobility interventions that incorporate safety aids like gait belts for unstable clients. This includes monitoring vital signs and pain levels before and during activity to ensure tolerance. A transferable strategy is to collaborate with physical therapy for mobility plans and educate clients on using assistive devices to build confidence and prevent falls.

7

A 68-year-old client with a new left below-the-knee amputation is in an acute rehabilitation setting. Assessment shows residual limb pain 5/10, hip strength 4/5, limited knee extension due to guarding, and the client prefers to keep a pillow under the residual limb. Which positioning technique should the nurse use to prevent complications?

Maintain the client in a recliner chair most of the day to increase comfort and independence

Encourage the client to keep a pillow under the knee to reduce pain and prevent swelling

Position the residual limb in extension when resting (avoid pillows under the knee) and encourage prone lying as tolerated to prevent flexion contractures

Apply a heating pad to the residual limb for 30 minutes before positioning to increase flexibility

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a client with a below-the-knee amputation. The priority concern is preventing flexion contractures in the residual limb while managing pain and promoting healing. Positioning the residual limb in extension when resting (avoid pillows under the knee) and encouraging prone lying as tolerated to prevent flexion contractures is the best choice as it maintains alignment, reduces guarding, and supports prosthetic fitting. Option A is incorrect because pillows promote contractures; option C is incorrect as prolonged reclining worsens risks; option D is incorrect since heating pads can cause burns. The decision-making principle is to promote extension positioning for amputees to preserve joint mobility. This involves educating on avoidance of flexion habits. A transferable strategy is to assess limb positioning preferences and provide alternatives like prone exercises to prevent contractures in similar cases.

8

A 58-year-old client with an acute ischemic stroke has left-sided hemiplegia and is on bed rest in an acute care unit. Assessment shows left arm strength 0/5, left leg strength 1/5, flaccid tone, shoulder pain 4/10 with movement, and limited passive shoulder abduction due to discomfort. Which action should the nurse take to improve client mobility?

Delegate passive range of motion to unlicensed assistive personnel because it is a basic activity of daily living

Avoid moving the affected arm until the client regains muscle strength to prevent injury

Perform passive range of motion to the affected extremities, supporting the shoulder and moving joints slowly through the available range

Place a pillow directly under the axilla of the affected arm to elevate the shoulder and prevent pain

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a client with hemiplegia post-stroke. The priority concern is preventing joint contractures and shoulder subluxation while managing pain during range of motion. Performing passive range of motion to the affected extremities, supporting the shoulder and moving joints slowly through the available range, is the best choice as it maintains joint flexibility, improves circulation, and reduces pain without causing injury. Option B is incorrect because delegating without oversight risks improper technique; option C is incorrect as avoiding movement increases contracture risk; option D is incorrect because a pillow under the axilla may not properly support the shoulder and could worsen subluxation. The decision-making principle is to initiate gentle, supportive range of motion early in immobile limbs to preserve function. This involves assessing pain and range limitations before each session to guide the extent of movement. A transferable strategy is to integrate range of motion into daily care routines and teach caregivers proper techniques to sustain mobility gains at home.

9

A 88-year-old long-term care resident with poor nutritional status is bedbound and incontinent. Assessment shows muscle strength 1/5, pain 2/10, and a stage 2 pressure injury on the left trochanter with partial-thickness skin loss. Which positioning technique should the nurse use to prevent complications?

Use a 30-degree lateral position to avoid direct pressure on the trochanter and reposition on a consistent schedule

Position the resident directly on the left hip to keep the wound exposed to air for faster healing

Keep the resident in high-Fowler position to decrease pressure on the hips and improve comfort

Place a donut cushion under the trochanter to eliminate pressure on the wound

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a bedbound resident with a trochanter pressure injury. The priority concern is offloading pressure from the wound to promote healing while addressing immobility and nutrition. Using a 30-degree lateral position to avoid direct pressure on the trochanter and reposition on a consistent schedule is the best choice as it reduces pressure, minimizes shear, and supports tissue repair. Option A is incorrect because direct pressure hinders healing; option C is incorrect as donut cushions can worsen peripheral pressure; option D is incorrect since high-Fowler increases hip pressure. The decision-making principle is to employ angled positioning to offload bony prominences in pressure injury cases. This includes scheduling turns to maintain consistency. A transferable strategy is to use wound assessment tools and integrate nutritional support with positioning plans for comprehensive prevention.

10

A 62-year-old client with right-sided weakness after a stroke is in long-term care and spends most of the day in bed. Assessment shows right arm strength 1/5, right leg strength 2/5, limited shoulder external rotation, and pain 3/10 with shoulder movement. Which action should the nurse take to improve client mobility?

Avoid any shoulder movement and focus only on hand exercises to prevent pain

Perform rapid, forceful range of motion to overcome stiffness and restore full mobility

Support the affected arm on pillows with the shoulder in neutral alignment and perform gentle passive range of motion without pulling on the arm

Place the affected arm in a dependent position over the side of the bed to reduce swelling

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment related to mobility and positioning in a stroke client with weakness and limited shoulder mobility. The priority concern is preventing shoulder complications like subluxation while improving range and reducing pain. Supporting the affected arm on pillows with the shoulder in neutral alignment and performing gentle passive range of motion without pulling on the arm is the best choice as it maintains positioning, enhances comfort, and preserves joint integrity. Option B is incorrect because dependent positioning worsens swelling; option C is incorrect as forceful motion causes injury; option D is incorrect since avoiding movement leads to stiffness. The decision-making principle is to use supportive elevation and gentle exercises for hemiplegic shoulders. This includes monitoring for pain to guide intensity. A transferable strategy is to integrate arm support into bedding routines and assess range regularly for progressive mobility in neurological clients.

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