Upper limb examination assesses the neurological function of the upper limbs. ROM is an abbreviation for Range of Motion. UL is an abbreviation for Upper limb.
Method
Remember with the mnemonic “The Powerful Romans Conquered Spain”:
Ensure arms have adequate exposure
General inspection, looking for fasciculation, muscle wasting, tremor
Palpate, for muscle wasting and tenderness
Test tone, asking patient if they feel any pain. Ask to relax arm
Grab their hand in handshake, roll it back and forth in a spin
Shake hand up and down
Shake hand sideway
Hold on to their elbow, and roll their hand around
Test power, asking patient to:
Put elbows up, preventing pushing down and then up
Put arms up like fighter, preventing pushing towards and away
Cock wrist back, preventing pushing towards and away
Hold fingers up, preventing folding and pulling finger
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