A nurse is caring for a client with left arm weakness. Which nursing action is most important to prevent contractures?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Encouraging deep breathing exercises improves respiratory function but does not does prevent not contractures address, contractures which result, from which immobility occur in weakened due limbs to muscle. Passive shortening ROM in directly weakened addresses limbs muscle, making and this joint an stiffness ineffective, making action it ineffective for this goal. Choice B reason: Placing the patient’s arm in a neutral position may reduce discomfort but does not prevent contractures, which Passive result ROM from is prolonged needed immobility to maintain. Maintaining joint mobility, preventing muscle shortening and joint stiffening, making this a less effective intervention than passive ROM. Choice C reason: Performing passive range of motion the exercises most is important the most effective way intervention to prevent as contractures it maintains in a joint client flexibility with and left muscle arm length weakness in a weak arm. Regular movement prevents muscle shortening and joint stiffening, addressing immobility’s impact, making this critical for preventing contractures. Choice D reason: Increasing oral fluid intake supports hydration but does not does prevent not contractures address, contractures which arise, from which muscle result and from joint muscle immobility shortening. Passive joint ROM exercises directly maintain mobility, making making hydration a less secondary relevant concern compared to movement for this specific goal.