CNA Skill: Range of Motion (Shoulder) | 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 shoulder joint. The exam checklist requires two exercises, flexion/extension and abduction/adduction, and proper support of the arm is critical.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

• Flat bed surface

Step-by-Step Procedure

Below are the criteria checklist checkpoints for Range of Motion, Shoulder 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 shoulder through ROM, raising and lowering arm along side, toward head of bed (HOB) and back to mattress (flexion/extension)?
6. Move resident's shoulder through ROM taking arm away from side and back to side (abduction/adduction)?
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:

• Not supporting the arm's weight: The arm is heavy. If you don't support it properly, gravity pulls on the shoulder joint and causes pain.
• Forcing the movement: For flexion, raise the arm along the resident's side toward the head of the bed and back to the mattress. Move only as far as the arm goes comfortably and stop at any resistance.

Test Day Tips for Range of Motion. Shoulder

• Practice the sequence: raise the arm along the side toward the head of the bed and back down (flexion/extension), then away from the side and back (abduction/adduction); three repetitions each.
• Keep your own body mechanics in mind: stand in a position that lets you move the arm smoothly.
• 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 shoulder movements are tested on the CNA exam?

The checklist scores shoulder flexion and extension (raising the arm along the side toward the head of the bed and lowering it back to the mattress) and abduction and adduction (taking the arm away from the side and back). Shoulder rotation is not required on the Florida exam.

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