9.10 Skills Checklist: Range of Motion (ROM) for the Hip and Knee

Note: Includes abduction/adduction of the hip and flexion/extension of the hip and knee movements.

1. Gather Supplies: None

2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:

    • Knock on the client’s door.
    • Perform hand hygiene.
    • Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
    • Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
    • Provide for privacy.
    • Explain the procedure to the client.

3. Procedure Steps:

    • Raise the bed height if needed.
    • Position the resident in the supine position (with the bed flat).
    • Place one of your hands under the resident’s knee with your palm facing up.
    • Place your other hand under the resident’s ankle with your palm facing up.
    • Watch for any objective signs of pain during movement.

Abduction/Adduction for Hip:

      • Keeping the resident’s leg straight, gently move their entire leg away from their body (i.e., abduction).
      • Move their leg gently and stop if there is any resistance.
      • Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
      • Stop the ROM movement if the resident reports pain or displays objective signs of pain.
      • Keeping the resident’s leg straight, move their entire leg toward their body (i.e., adduction).
      • Complete abduction and adduction movements of the hip according to the order in their restorative care plan.
      • Continue to correctly support joints by keeping one of your hands under the resident’s knee and the other hand under the resident’s ankle.

Flexion/Extension of Knee and Hip:

      • Bend the resident’s knee and hip up toward the resident’s trunk (i.e., flexion of hip and knee at the same time).
      • Move the resident’s leg gently and stop if there is any resistance.
      • Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
      • Stop the ROM movement if the resident reports pain or displays objective signs of pain.
      • Straighten their knee and hip (i.e., extension of knee and hip at the same time).
      • Complete flexion and extension movements of the knee and hip according to the order in the restorative care plan.

4. Post-Procedure Steps:

    • Perform hand hygiene.
    • Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
    • Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
    • Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
    • Open the door and privacy curtain.
    • Perform hand hygiene.
    • Document and report ROM performed and any skin issues, pain with movement, or other changes noted with the resident.

View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstration of range of motion exercises for the hip and knee:

 


  1. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Range of Motion Exercises for the Hip and Knee. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0https://youtu.be/ynmFa68Rv7w

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