National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

What does the abbreviation ROM stand for in a healthcare context?

1. Range of motion

2. Rehabilitative outcome measurement

3. Rehabilitative outcome management

4. Range of measurement

The correct answer is: Range of motion

In a healthcare context, the abbreviation ROM stands for "Range of Motion." This term refers to the full movement potential of a joint, typically measured in degrees of a circle. Understanding range of motion is essential in various healthcare fields, particularly in physical therapy and rehabilitation, where assessing a patient's ability to move their joints helps determine their physical condition and recovery progress. The ability to measure and improve range of motion is vital for restoring function after injury or surgery and for managing conditions that affect mobility, such as arthritis. Clinicians often use exercises and interventions specifically aimed at improving a patient's range of motion to enhance their overall mobility and quality of life. The other options, while related to healthcare and rehabilitation, do not accurately represent the commonly accepted meaning of the abbreviation ROM in this context.