CNA Skill: Range of Motion (Elbow and Wrist) | Step-by-Step Guide for the Florida Exam

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This skill involves performing passive range of motion exercises on the resident's elbow and wrist joints. As with all ROM exercises, the movements should be gentle, smooth, and never forced past the point of resistance.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

• Flat bed surface

Step-by-Step Procedure

Below are the criteria checklist checkpoints for Range of Motion, Elbow and Wrist on the Florida CNA clinical skills exam, the same checkpoints the evaluators score. Checkpoints marked (IC) are the universal indirect care checkpoints, which are scored on every skill.

1. Greet resident, address by name, and introduce self? (IC)
2. Provide explanations to resident about care before beginning and during care? (IC)
3. Exercise only correct joints and only correct side when performing range of motion (ROM)?
4. Support extremity to protect the working joint throughout ROM exercises?
5. Bend and straighten arm at elbow through ROM (flexion/extension)?
6. Move wrist through ROM by bending wrist to move hand down and back (flexion and hyperextension)?
7. Ask resident to report discomfort during ROM or ask if resident has discomfort during ROM exercises?
8. Control extremity throughout ROM exercises providing smooth, slow, non-forceful movement?
9. Ask resident about preferences during care? (IC)
10. Use Standard Precautions and infection control measures when providing care? (IC)
11. Ask resident about comfort or needs during care or before care completed? (IC)
12. Promote resident's rights during care? (IC)
13. Promote resident's safety during care? (IC)

Common Mistakes on the Prometric Test

Based on our experience preparing thousands of students for Florida's CNA state exam, here are the most common mistakes candidates make on this skill:

• Forgetting the elbow exercises: the checklist scores bending (flexion) and straightening (extension) of the elbow, not just the wrist movements.
• Not supporting the arm: support the resident's arm above and below the elbow during elbow exercises, and support the wrist and hand during wrist exercises.
• Exercising the wrong side or extra joints: Your test instructions specify left or right. Only the correct joints on the correct side are scored, and the scenario calls for three repetitions of each exercise.
• Moving too quickly: ROM exercises should be slow and controlled. Rushing causes discomfort and doesn't properly exercise the joint.
• Forgetting to ask about discomfort: Asking the resident to report discomfort during the exercises is its own checkpoint.

Test Day Tips for Range of Motion. Elbow and Wrist

• Remember the scored wrist movements: flexion (hand down) and hyperextension (hand back), three repetitions each.
• Keep one hand supporting the forearm and the other moving the hand for wrist exercises.
• Raise the bed to about the height of your pelvis while you work; it protects your back and is the body mechanics evaluators expect. Lower it again when you finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the range of motion movements for the wrist?

On the Florida exam checklist, the wrist is moved through flexion (bending the hand down) and hyperextension (bending the hand back). Radial and ulnar deviation are real wrist movements, but they are not part of the exam checklist.

Master This Skill with Video Demonstrations

Reading the steps is a great start, but watching the skill performed correctly makes a huge difference on test day. Our online CNA course includes:

• HD video demonstration of Range of Motion: Elbow and Wrist performed exactly as Prometric expects
• Detailed narration explaining each checkpoint the evaluator looks for
• Practice scenarios and tips from experienced CNA instructors
• All 22 clinical skills plus written exam preparation

Start with a free course preview. See the quality of our video instruction before you commit.

All 22 CNA Clinical Skills

See the full CNA clinical skills guide, or jump to any skill: Handwashing · Mouth Care (Brushing Teeth) · Hand and Nail Care · Denture Care · Feeding a Resident · Taking a Pulse · Measuring Respirations · Changing an Occupied Bed · Dressing with One-Sided Weakness · Female Catheter Care · Bedpan Assistance · Emptying Urinary Drainage Bag · Female Perineal Care · Range of Motion (Lower Body) · Range of Motion (Shoulder) · Partial Bed Bath · Change of Position · Wheelchair Transfer · Foot Care · Ambulation with Gait Belt · Indirect Care.