Question 1 A patient is being assessed for range-of-joint movement. The nurse asks him to move his arm in toward the center of his body. This movement is called: Answers: a. Flexion. b. Abduction. c. Adduction. d. Extension. Question 2 During an interview the patient states, “I can feel this bump on the top of both of my shoulders—it doesn’t hurt but I am curious about what it might be.” The nurse should tell the patient that it is his: Answers: a. Subacromial bursa.

Question 1: A patient is being assessed for range-of-joint movement. The nurse asks him to move his arm in toward the center of his body. This movement is called:

Answer: c. Adduction.

Introduction:
Range-of-joint movement refers to the ability of a joint to move through its full range of motion. The assessment of range-of-joint movement is a crucial aspect of evaluating a patient’s musculoskeletal system. In this scenario, the nurse asks the patient to move his arm in toward the center of his body, which is known as adduction.

Adduction:
Adduction is a movement that brings a body part closer to the midline of the body or closer to the center of the body. In the context of joint movement, adduction occurs when a limb or body part moves toward or across the midline of the body. In this case, moving the arm in toward the center of the body is an example of adduction.

Importance of Assessing Range-of-Joint Movement:
Assessing range-of-joint movement is essential for evaluating the functionality of the musculoskeletal system. It helps to identify any limitations or abnormalities in the joint movement, which can be indicative of underlying musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. By assessing range-of-joint movement, healthcare professionals can determine the patient’s ability to perform various activities of daily living and develop appropriate treatment plans.

Question 2: During an interview, the patient states, “I can feel this bump on the top of both of my shoulders—it doesn’t hurt, but I am curious about what it might be.” The nurse should tell the patient that it is his:

Answer: a. Subacromial bursa.

Introduction:
The human body has various structures and tissues that can form bumps or prominences in certain areas. Identifying these bumps and understanding their nature and function is important in order to provide accurate information to patients. In this scenario, the patient describes feeling bumps on the top of both shoulders, which are most likely his subacromial bursae.

Subacromial Bursa:
The subacromial bursa is a sac-like structure located in the shoulder joint. It serves as a lubricating cushion between the acromion (part of the scapula) and the rotator cuff tendons. The primary function of the subacromial bursa is to reduce friction and allow smooth movement of the rotator cuff tendons during shoulder movement.

Prominence or Bump on the Shoulders:
The prominence or bump felt by the patient on the top of both shoulders is likely the subacromial bursa. The subacromial bursa is positioned just below the acromion and can be palpated as a soft, cushion-like structure. Its location on the top of the shoulder makes it accessible for palpation and detection.

No Pain or Discomfort:
The patient mentions that the bumps do not hurt or cause any discomfort. This is consistent with the subacromial bursa, as it is typically not painful unless it becomes inflamed or irritated due to conditions such as subacromial bursitis. In the absence of pain or discomfort, it is reasonable to assume that the bumps are related to the subacromial bursa rather than any other pathological condition.

Conclusion:
In this case, the nurse should inform the patient that the bumps on the top of both shoulders are most likely his subacromial bursae. The subacromial bursa serves as a cushion between the acromion and rotator cuff tendons, allowing smooth movement of the shoulder joint. Since the patient reports no pain or discomfort, it is unlikely that the bumps are indicative of any underlying pathology.