National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

After a full thickness burn, which shoulder motions should range-of-motion activities focus on?

1. Adduction, extension, and medial rotation

2. Abduction, medial rotation, and flexion

3. Flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation

4. Extension, lateral rotation, and medial rotation

The correct answer is: Flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation

After a full thickness burn, particularly in the shoulder region, the focus of range-of-motion activities should be on flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation. This is primarily due to the common positioning and consequences of immobility following such injuries. Full thickness burns can lead to significant scarring and contracture, which often result in the shoulder being held in an adducted and medially rotated position. As a result, individuals may be at risk for developing a limitation in their ability to perform abduction and lateral rotation movements. Therefore, promoting range of motion in flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation helps combat these effects and encourages optimal functional positioning of the shoulder. Flexion exercises help restore mobility by allowing movement of the arm forward and up, while abduction exercises help raise the arm away from the body, and lateral rotation restores the ability to turn the arm outward. These movements are crucial for overall shoulder function, particularly in activities of daily living, and enhance the ability to reach overhead or behind, which are critical functionalities often impacted by burns. In summary, emphasizing these specific shoulder motions addresses the consequences of contractures and positioning commonly seen after full thickness burns, promoting recovery and improved mobility.