Basic Nursing Skills
Modified Passive Range of Motion
Support the resident's lower leg with one hand cupped under the knee and the other under the heel/ankle. Gently move the knee through flexion and extension, then the ankle through circular motion. Stop immediately if the resident reports pain.
5-10 minutes per limb•8 steps•3 critical
Why this matters
One hand under the knee, one under the heel. Move slowly. Stop at pain.
Quick tips
- ONE hand under the KNEE, OTHER hand under the HEEL/ANKLE — full support at both joints
- Move SLOWLY and GENTLY through the full range of motion
- STOP if the resident reports pain or resists — never force a joint
Common mistakes
- Lifting the leg without supporting the ankle (strains the knee and hip)
- Moving too fast or jerking the joint
- Continuing despite the resident verbalizing pain
- Moving the joint beyond its natural range