To test __________ extremities, instruct your patient to relax their muscles. Hold one of your patient's hands with yours, while supporting the elbow, flex and extend the patient's fingers, wrist, elbow and put the shoulder through moderate range of motion. Perform on both sides

• A. Upper
• B. Lower
• C. Both
• D. Trunk

Answer: (A)

This sequence is assessing the upper extremities. By holding the hand, supporting the elbow, and passively moving the shoulder through a moderate range while flexing and extending the fingers, wrist, and elbow, you’re examining the joints of the arm—shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger joints. These components belong to the upper limb, not the lower limbs or the trunk. Doing it on both sides lets you compare range of motion and detect any asymmetry, rigidity, or limitations that might be present. The instruction to let the patient relax ensures the movement is passive, which is key for accurately gauging true joint ROM without active muscle resistance.