Question

A nurse assesses neck range of movement of several adults. Which patient has an expected range of motion of the neck?

a. Patient A is unable to resist the nurse's attempt to move the head upright.
b. Patient B bends the head to the right and left (ear to shoulder) 15 degrees.
c. Patient C flexes chin toward the chest 45 degrees.
d. Patient D hyperextends the head 30 degrees from midline.

Answer 1

Patient C, who is able to flex their chin toward the chest 45 degrees, has an expected range of motion of the neck in terms of flexion. This is a normal range of motion supported by the function of the accessory nerve, which controls muscles responsible for neck movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to assessing the expected range of motion of the neck in several adults, as per the actions described for patients A through D. Movement of the head and neck, specifically involving the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, is regulated by the accessory nerve. This nerve is responsible for actions such as flexion, extension, and lateral flexion of the neck.

Normal neck range of motion includes being able to flex the chin to the chest to about 45 degrees, extend the neck backward to about 55 degrees, rotate the neck side to side to about 70 degrees each side, and laterally flex the neck so the ear moves towards the shoulder to about 35 degrees each side. Patient C, who flexes their chin toward the chest 45 degrees, demonstrates an expected range of motion for neck flexion. Other options indicate either a limited range of motion, abnormal resistance, or excessive extension beyond the normal range.