Encouraging Range of Motion Exercises in Immobile Patients

A registered nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient who has been in a cast for several weeks due to a fractured femur. The patient reports discomfort and stiffness in the affected limb. The nurse notes that the patient has not engaged in any form of mobility exercises during this period of immobilization.

Based on the assessment findings, it is important to prevent complications associated with immobility. One key strategy to achieve this is to encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises as tolerated. The nurse should aim for the patient to complete at least ______ repetitions of each range of motion exercise per session, ideally set at intervals throughout the day to maintain joint health and circulation.