Which action best supports encouraging a resident to perform leg exercises?

Which action best supports encouraging a resident to perform leg exercises?

• A. Remind the resident to perform leg exercises
• B. Physically move the resident's legs for them
• C. Do not remind; wait for them to start
• D. Tell family to do it

Answer: (A)

Prompting a resident to perform leg exercises supports active participation and helps establish a routine that maintains circulation, flexibility, and strength. Reminders encourage independence and ensure the exercises get done, which helps the resident stay engaged in their own care. Moving the legs for the resident can be appropriate only when safety or medical orders require it, but it doesn’t build self-care and can reduce strength over time if used often. Waiting without reminders lowers participation, and involving family to do it shifts responsibility away from the resident. A gentle reminder, perhaps with a quick demonstration and encouragement, keeps the resident involved and safe.

Prompting a resident to perform leg exercises supports active participation and helps establish a routine that maintains circulation, flexibility, and strength. Reminders encourage independence and ensure the exercises get done, which helps the resident stay engaged in their own care. Moving the legs for the resident can be appropriate only when safety or medical orders require it, but it doesn’t build self-care and can reduce strength over time if used often. Waiting without reminders lowers participation, and involving family to do it shifts responsibility away from the resident. A gentle reminder, perhaps with a quick demonstration and encouragement, keeps the resident involved and safe.