When assessing joint mobility, what aspects should a nurse evaluate?

When assessing joint mobility, the comprehensive evaluation includes several critical aspects, primarily focused on the range of motion, swelling, and tenderness at the joint. Range of motion is paramount as it indicates how well a joint can move through its intended arcs, helping to identify limitations due to pain, injury, or degenerative conditions. Swelling can suggest inflammation, injury, or underlying systemic issues, while tenderness provides information about pain sensitivity and potential damage to joint structures or surrounding tissues.

The inclusion of these three aspects ensures a thorough understanding of joint function and health, enabling effective diagnosis and treatment planning. Other choices do not encompass the full range of necessary assessments. For example, solely evaluating swelling and temperature changes does not provide insight into the joint's mobility or functionality. Assessing muscle fatigability offers useful information about muscular strength and endurance, but it does not directly relate to the joint's movement capabilities. Similarly, focusing solely on blood circulation to the joint, while important, misses the direct evaluation of the joint’s motion and condition. Thus, a holistic approach involving range of motion, swelling, and tenderness is fundamental in joint mobility assessment.