Continuous Passive ROM Machine

- A continuous passive ROM machine is a device that moves a joint through a prescribed range of motion without active muscle contraction by the patient. It is used by patients who have stiffness, swelling, pain, or limited mobility in a joint due to surgery, injury, or disease. It can also prevent complications such as contractures, adhesions, or thrombosis. The most common joints that are treated with a continuous passive ROM machine are the knee and the shoulder.

The nurse should set up and operate a continuous passive ROM machine by following these steps:

• Obtain a physician’s order for using a continuous passive ROM machine that specifies the joint, speed, duration, frequency, and range of motion.
• Explain the procedure and its benefits to the patient and obtain informed consent.
• Position the patient comfortably on a bed or a chair and secure the device to the affected joint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Adjust the settings of the device according to the physician’s order and start the machine.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs, pain level, comfort, and response to the device throughout the session.
• Stop the machine and remove it from the patient after completing the session or as ordered by the physician.

- The nurse should monitor for complications such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage, or mechanical failure from using a continuous passive ROM machine. The nurse should also inspect the device regularly for cleanliness and functionality and report any problems to the appropriate personnel.