Which step in the progression comes immediately after sitting at the edge of the bed?

Which step in the progression comes immediately after sitting at the edge of the bed?

• A. Transfers to chair
• B. Passive ROM
• C. Stand and march in place
• D. Overground ambulation

Answer: (B)

The immediate next step is passive range of motion. When a patient sits at the edge of the bed, the safest early mobilization move is to have a clinician move the joints through their available ranges without the patient actively contracting muscles. This preserves joint mobility, prevents contractures, and promotes circulation without demanding active effort or balance from the patient, which is especially important when strength, coordination, or arousal may be limited. Transfers to a chair, stand-and-march-in-place, and overground ambulation all require progressively more strength, balance, and weight-bearing tolerance. They come after establishing basic joint mobility and safe, supported positioning, which makes passive ROM the best next step.

The immediate next step is passive range of motion. When a patient sits at the edge of the bed, the safest early mobilization move is to have a clinician move the joints through their available ranges without the patient actively contracting muscles. This preserves joint mobility, prevents contractures, and promotes circulation without demanding active effort or balance from the patient, which is especially important when strength, coordination, or arousal may be limited.

Transfers to a chair, stand-and-march-in-place, and overground ambulation all require progressively more strength, balance, and weight-bearing tolerance. They come after establishing basic joint mobility and safe, supported positioning, which makes passive ROM the best next step.