A resident has limited range of motion in their right shoulder. When helping them with a shirt, which approach is best?

Question

Accepted Answer

Put the left arm through the sleeve first, then work the right arm through carefully. Dressing the less affected (left) side first is correct. Then carefully work the more limited right arm through. Dressing the limited side first would be awkward and potentially painful. Expecting full independence when there is limited ROM is unrealistic. Removing over the head first requires unnecessary overhead motion.