What does passive range of motion (PROM) involve?

Passive range of motion (PROM) involves movements of the joints performed by a caregiver, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), without the resident's voluntary muscle actions. During PROM, the CNA supports and moves the patient's limbs through their normal range of motion, ensuring that the joints are mobilized, thereby maintaining flexibility and preventing stiffness. This method is particularly beneficial for residents who may be unable to move their limbs independently due to conditions like paralysis, weakness, or severe pain.

In contrast, other options describe scenarios that do not align with the definition of PROM. Exercising done by the resident without any help refers to active range of motion, where the individual is fully engaged in the movement. Exercising while the resident is sleeping suggests a lack of engagement from the resident and does not involve any active participation, which is also not relevant to PROM. Lastly, exercising done exclusively with weights implies resistance training, which is not what PROM entails, as PROM focuses solely on joint movements without resistance.