A nurse is collecting data from a client about range-of-motion for various joints. Which of the following images should the nurse identify as an example of a ball and socket joint? (IMAGES) A. B. C. D.

A. Pivotal Joint (Radius-Ulnar Joint) –A pivot joint allows for rotation around a single axis. The joint between the radius and ulna at the elbow allows the forearm to rotate (pronation/supination). This is not a ball-and-socket joint because it does not allow movement in multiple planes. B. A ball-and-socket joint allows for the greatest range of motion in multiple directions, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Examples are the hip joint (femur-acetabulum) and shoulder joint (humerus-glenoid cavity). C. A hinge joint allows movement in only one plane (like a door hinge) with flexion and extension. Examples are the knee joint (tibia-femur) and elbow joint (humerus-ulna) function as hinge joints. It is not a ball-and-socket joint because it does not allow rotation or movement in multiple planes. D. A condyloid (ellipsoidal) joint allows movement in two planes (flexion/extension and abduction/adduction), but no rotation. Examples are the wrist joint (radiocarpal joint) allows side-to-side and up-and-down movements but lacks full rotation.