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

A. Ankle is incorrect. The ankle is a hinge joint, which allows for movement in one plane (up and down), not the multidirectional movement characteristic of a ball and socket joint. B. Shoulder is correct. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. This type of joint allows for movement in multiple directions, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction. C. Knee is incorrect. The knee is a hinge joint, allowing for flexion and extension but not the wide range of motion that a ball and socket joint offers. D. Metacarpophalangeal is incorrect. The metacarpophalangeal joints (knuckles) are condyloid joints, which allow for movement in two planes but not the full rotational movement of a ball and socket joint.