Which of the following is a contraindication to ROM?

• A. If response or conditions are life threatening
• B. If motion is disruptive to healing
• C. If motion is comfortable
• D. If patient requests ROM

Answer: (D)

ROM should be avoided when moving a joint could cause harm or worsen a condition. The clearest contraindications are situations where the patient is in a life-threatening state or where movement would disrupt healing. In those cases, moving the joint could pose serious risk, so ROM is postponed. By contrast, if motion is comfortable, ROM is typically appropriate and can help prevent stiffness, and a patient asking for ROM is a normal part of planning therapy and isn’t by itself a reason to withhold movement. So the concept being tested is safety: only perform ROM when it’s safe and truly beneficial, and avoid it when the risks are too high or healing would be impaired.