National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the total available range of motion at the left elbow if it is measured as -10-0-150 degrees?

1. 130 degrees

2. 160 degrees

3. 140 degrees

4. 150 degrees

The correct answer is: 160 degrees

The total available range of motion at a joint is calculated by determining the difference between its maximal extension and maximal flexion. In the provided measurement of the left elbow, the range is recorded as -10-0-150 degrees. Here, -10 degrees indicates the amount of hyperextension, where the elbow is able to extend beyond the normal 0 degrees (fully straight). The 0 degrees represents the anatomical position when the elbow is fully extended, and 150 degrees indicates the maximal flexion, where the forearm flexes toward the upper arm. To find the total range of motion, you start with the maximum flexion at 150 degrees and subtract the maximum extension value, which is considered to be -10 degrees. The calculation looks like this: 1. Maximum flexion: 150 degrees 2. Maximum extension: -10 degrees (to move from -10 to 0 is 10 degrees, plus the 0 to 150 degrees equals the total available range) So the total range is 150 - (-10) = 150 + 10 = 160 degrees. Thus, the total available range of motion for the left elbow is indeed 160 degrees.