How should a nurse assess for range of motion following a fracture fixation?

Assessing range of motion following a fracture fixation involves a comprehensive approach, particularly focusing on the mobility of adjacent joints. Gently moving adjacent joints while observing the patient’s responses allows the nurse to evaluate the flexibility and any potential discomfort or resistance experienced by the patient. This method not only helps in assessing the range of motion but also ensures that the assessment is safe and minimizes the risk of further injury.

Utilizing this approach can also help identify any limitations in movement that might arise from muscle stiffness or discomfort due to the healing process. It provides immediate feedback regarding the patient's condition, allowing for timely interventions if any problems are detected.

Other methods, such as visual inspection alone, do not give a clear indication of actual range of motion. Relying solely on patient-reported ability to perform specific exercises might overlook underlying issues or pain. Using mechanical devices to measure movement, while accurate, may not be practical in all clinical situations and can sometimes introduce unnecessary complexity or discomfort for the patient during the early stages of recovery. Thus, the gentle manual assessment combined with observation offers a practical and effective approach to evaluating post-fixation range of motion.