Which step immediately follows obtaining consent in the ROM assessment sequence?

• A. Document the ROM
• B. Establish a zero-degree starting point
• C. Position the patient correctly and expose the extremity/drape
• D. Perform PROM to end-range with stabilization

Answer: (C)

After consent, the next essential step is to position the patient correctly and expose the extremity while draping. This setup is where you establish a stable, reproducible alignment for the joint and ensure you can access the landmarks needed to measure ROM accurately. Proper positioning helps prevent compensatory movements, reduces pain or guarding, and enables safe stabilization during the measurement. Exposing the limb and draping as needed also ensures you can palpate bony landmarks and apply the measurement device precisely, which is crucial for valid, repeatable results.

Once this setup is complete, you typically establish a zero-degree starting point to anchor the measurement, then proceed with measuring ROM (active or passive) and finally document the results. The other steps—documenting the ROM, or performing PROM to end-range with stabilization—fit into later parts of the sequence after the initial setup and zero-point establishment.