Question

The newly admitted client has contractures of both lower extremities. What nursing intervention should be included in the client's plan of care?

a. Weight-bearing activities
b. Passive range of motion exercises
c. Non-weight bearing exercises
d. Active range of motion

Answer 1

For a client with contractures of both lower extremities, passive range of motion exercises should be included in the care plan to maintain joint mobility and avoid further restrictions or complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing intervention that should be included in the client's plan of care for contractures of both lower extremities is passive range of motion exercises. These types of exercises are crucial for maintaining joint mobility and reducing further complications considering the client has limitations in movement. In cases with contractures, the patient may not be able to move the joints fully themselves, and thus making active exercises inappropriate, and weight-bearing activities may exacerbate the condition. Non-weight bearing exercises are generally recommended after addressing the contractures sufficiently to allow for such activity without risk of injury.

Similar to the scenario where a physical therapist assesses the shoulder's range of motion after an injury, the degree of function in the lower extremities would be evaluated, and a plan of care would be established. The aim is to preserve the functionality of the joint while avoiding added stress. Using tools like canes or walkers can be helpful as well, especially if the individual is overweight, to help destress joints and improve stability.