When performing passive Range of Motion, what should the caregiver focus on?

In passive Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, the caregiver's primary focus is to deliberately move the joints through their full range of motion. This is done to maintain joint flexibility, prevent stiffness, and enhance circulation. The caregiver is responsible for gently guiding the resident's limbs through the exercises, ensuring that movements are smooth and within a comfortable range for the resident.

Emphasizing controlled movement helps to stimulate joint function and facilitates better mobility for the resident, which is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. It is important for the caregiver to be attentive to the resident’s comfort level and any resistance they might feel during the motion, but the core objective is exerting proper movement without relying on the resident's active participation.

The other options represent different aspects of patient care or exercise that are not applicable in the context of passive ROM. Encouraging independent movement pertains more to active ROM techniques, monitoring vital signs is essential for overall patient safety but not the focus of ROM exercises, and limiting movement to avoid pain can be the opposite of what is intended in passive ROM, where the goal is to aid movement rather than restrict it.