CNA Certification (Written Exam)Restorative SkillsHard
A CNA is assisting a resident who has been instructed to perform active range of motion (AROM) exercises for their ankle. Which movement should the CNA ensure the resident performs to demonstrate dorsiflexion?
- ATurning the sole of the foot inward.
- BPointing the toes downward.
- CPulling the toes upward towards the shin.
- DTurning the sole of the foot outward.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Pulling the toes upward towards the shin.
Dorsiflexion of the ankle involves pulling the toes and the top of the foot upward towards the shin. This movement is the opposite of plantar flexion (pointing toes downward).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Turning the sole of the foot inward is inversion, a different ankle movement.
- B. Pointing the toes downward is plantar flexion, the opposite of dorsiflexion.
- D. Turning the sole of the foot outward is eversion, a different ankle movement.
Ankle Dorsiflexion
Movement of the ankle that brings the top of the foot closer to the shin (pulling toes upward).
- Essential for walking (clearing foot from ground).
- Opposite of plantar flexion.
- Important for preventing foot drop.
Memory trick: DORSI-flexion, like a 'DORSal fin' pointing up.