A patient is being assessed for range-of-joint movement. The nurse asks him to move his arm in toward the center of his body. What is this movement called?

Choice A reason: Extension is straightening a joint, not moving toward the body’s midline. Adduction describes the arm moving inward, so this is incorrect for the described joint movement.

Choice B reason: Adduction is the movement of a limb toward the body’s midline, such as bringing the arm inward. This matches the nurse’s description, making it the correct term for the movement.

Choice C reason: Flexion is bending a joint, like elbow curling, not moving toward the midline. Adduction is specific to inward motion, so this is incorrect for the arm’s movement.

Choice D reason: Abduction is moving away from the midline, opposite to the described action. Adduction is the term for inward movement, so this is incorrect for the joint motion described.

Choice A reason: Documenting only the physician’s statements is incomplete, as it omits direct observations and the child’s account. In suspected abuse, the nurse must record objective findings and the child’s narrative to ensure accurate reporting, making this inadequate.

Choice B reason: Using the child’s exact words ensures an objective, unbiased record of their account, critical in suspected abuse cases. This preserves the integrity of the child’s description for legal and medical evaluation, making it the most appropriate documentation method.

Choice C reason: Relying primarily on the parent’s account risks bias, especially in suspected abuse, as it may not reflect the true cause. The child’s narrative and objective findings are prioritized to ensure accurate reporting, making this an unreliable choice.

Choice D reason: Focusing only on photographs omits critical narrative and clinical details, such as the child’s account or physical findings. Comprehensive documentation, including the child’s words and observations, is essential in abuse cases, making this incomplete and incorrect.