CNA Skill: Range of Motion (Lower Body) | Step-by-Step Guide for the Florida Exam

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This skill tests your ability to perform passive range of motion (ROM) exercises on a resident's lower extremities (hip, knee, and ankle). Passive ROM means YOU move the resident's limbs; the resident does not actively participate. These exercises help prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

• Flat bed surface
• Bath blanket (for warmth and privacy)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Below are the criteria checklist checkpoints for Range of Motion, Lower Body 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. Move resident's hip and knee through ROM, flexing knee and hip, raising toward torso and returning back to mattress (flexion/extension)?
6. Support extremity to prevent heel friction against mattress during ROM exercises?
7. Move resident's foot up toward head and point down toward the mattress through ROM (dorsiflexion/plantar flexion)?
8. Ask resident to report discomfort during ROM or ask if resident has discomfort during ROM exercises?
9. Control extremity throughout ROM exercises providing smooth, slow, non-forceful movement?
10. Ask resident about preferences during care? (IC)
11. Use Standard Precautions and infection control measures when providing care? (IC)
12. Ask resident about comfort or needs during care or before care completed? (IC)
13. Promote resident's rights during care? (IC)
14. 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:

• Forcing the joint: If you meet resistance, stop. Pushing past resistance can cause injury. Range of motion should be comfortable.
• Not supporting the limb: Both above and below the joint must be supported to prevent strain and provide comfort.
• Ignoring pain cues: Watch the resident's facial expressions. Grimacing, wincing, or tensing indicates you're going too far.
• Adding extra movements: The checklist requires only hip and knee flexion/extension and ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion. Hip abduction/adduction and rotation are not scored, and missing a required movement counts against you.

Test Day Tips for Range of Motion. Lower Body

• Support the limb firmly but gently: one hand above the joint, one below.
• Move slowly and smoothly. Jerky movements cause discomfort and look unprofessional.
• Ask the resident to tell you if they feel pain, AND watch for nonverbal pain signs.
• 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

How far should you move a joint during range of motion exercises?

Move the joint through its comfortable range of motion up to the point of resistance. Never force a joint past the point where you feel resistance or the resident shows signs of pain.

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: Lower Body 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 (Elbow and Wrist) · Range of Motion (Shoulder) · Partial Bed Bath · Change of Position · Wheelchair Transfer · Foot Care · Ambulation with Gait Belt · Indirect Care.