In terms of motor strength, what scale is used to evaluate strength?

Prepare for the ScribeAmerica Emergency Room Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

The scale used to evaluate motor strength is a 0-5 scale. This scale is commonly utilized in clinical settings to assess a patient's muscle strength in various muscle groups. Each number on the scale corresponds to specific strength levels:

  • A score of 0 indicates no muscle contraction.
  • A score of 1 indicates a trace contraction but no joint movement.

  • A score of 2 indicates the ability to move the joint but cannot overcome gravity.

  • A score of 3 indicates the ability to move against gravity but not against resistance.

  • A score of 4 indicates the ability to move against some resistance.

  • A score of 5 indicates full strength, which is the normal muscle strength.

This scale provides a clear and standardized way to document muscle function, allowing healthcare professionals to communicate effectively about a patient's condition and track any changes over time. Other scales mentioned, like 1-10 or -5 to 5, are not routinely used for assessing motor strength in this context.

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