Define a contracture and provide a primary prevention strategy.

• A. A permanent joint shortening due to disuse or spasticity; prevention includes regular ROM, proper positioning, and splinting as indicated.
• B. A temporary swelling of joints; prevention is rest.
• C. A muscular tear; prevention is heavy lifting.
• D. A nerve entrapment; prevention is wearing gloves.

Answer: (A)

A contracture is a permanent shortening and tightening of the soft tissues around a joint, which produces a fixed or markedly limited range of motion. It often results from disuse or immobilization, and can also occur with spasticity in neurological conditions. Over time, connective tissues and muscle fibers adapt in ways that make it hard to move the joint through its full range.

To prevent contractures, the goal is to keep joints moving and well aligned. This means regular range-of-motion exercises (active or assisted when needed) to maintain tissue length, along with proper positioning to avoid prolonged shortening or excessive stretching. Splints or braces are used as indicated to hold joints in functional positions, especially during rest or after injury or surgery. Early mobilization within the care plan, along with addressing pain and swelling to enable movement, is also important.

The other options describe temporary joint swelling, a muscular tear, or nerve entrapment, conditions that have different causes and prevention strategies, so they don’t fit the concept of a contracture and its primary prevention.