Before performing hip and knee range of motion, what should you tell the resident?

Before performing hip and knee range of motion, what should you tell the resident?

• A. If I cause any pain or discomfort, please let me know, and I will stop
• B. You must not speak during the exercise
• C. You may feel dizzy after
• D. You cannot move your leg

Answer: (A)

Safety and consent are the focus here. Before moving the hip and knee, you should let the resident know that you will stop the movement if they feel any pain or discomfort. This communicates respect for their autonomy, helps them participate in their care, and prevents injury by ensuring movements stay within their tolerance. ROM should always be performed slowly and within limits while you monitor for signs of pain or resistance. This is why the other ideas aren’t appropriate: you don’t need to or should not forbid speaking during the exercise—keeping communication open helps you detect discomfort and reassess as needed. It’s not about expecting dizziness after, and it’s not accurate to tell the resident they cannot move their leg—that would undermine the purpose of ROM and their participation.

Safety and consent are the focus here. Before moving the hip and knee, you should let the resident know that you will stop the movement if they feel any pain or discomfort. This communicates respect for their autonomy, helps them participate in their care, and prevents injury by ensuring movements stay within their tolerance. ROM should always be performed slowly and within limits while you monitor for signs of pain or resistance.

This is why the other ideas aren’t appropriate: you don’t need to or should not forbid speaking during the exercise—keeping communication open helps you detect discomfort and reassess as needed. It’s not about expecting dizziness after, and it’s not accurate to tell the resident they cannot move their leg—that would undermine the purpose of ROM and their participation.