Which patient would benefit most from passive range of motion exercises?

The patient who has experienced a recent cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, would benefit most from passive range of motion exercises. After such an event, individuals often face significant challenges with mobility due to muscle weakness, spasticity, or paralysis on one side of the body.

Passive range of motion exercises are particularly useful in this scenario because they help to maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve circulation without requiring the patient to actively participate in the movement. These exercises can help prevent complications such as muscular atrophy and contractures, which are common in patients who have lost mobility. For someone recovering from a stroke, maintaining as much range of motion as possible is vital for future rehabilitation efforts, making this option the most beneficial for the patient’s needs.

In contrast, other patients listed do not necessarily require passive range of motion exercises as critically. For example, a patient with chronic dementia who is mobile may not benefit significantly from passive exercises, as their mobility allows for active movement. Similarly, a patient with chronic lung disease who is stable may not need passive range of motion as a priority in their treatment plan, and a patient experiencing increasing fatigue could be more appropriately managed with activities aimed at conserving energy rather than passive range exercises.