When assessing for contracture in a patient, what should a nurse look for?

When assessing for contracture in a patient, the focus should be on the lack of joint mobility. Contractures occur when muscles and tissues around a joint shorten or tighten, leading to a loss of the range of motion in that joint. Therefore, when a nurse observes or detects a limitation in movement, it directly indicates the presence of a contracture.

The assessment for contracture involves evaluating how well the joint can move through its full range of motion. If a joint cannot achieve normal movement due to tightening of the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, this is indicative of a contracture.

While reduced muscle mass, pain during movement, and swelling around the joint can play roles in overall joint health and function, they are not specific indicators of contracture. Reduced muscle mass may relate to overall health status but doesn't necessarily signify joint mobility issues. Pain can accompany various musculoskeletal conditions but doesn't by itself indicate a contracture. Swelling may suggest inflammation or injury but isn't a direct sign of the tightening of muscles or tissues typical of a contracture. Hence, the focus on lack of joint mobility directly relates to the assessment for contracture.