CEA Nursing Practice Exam

When assessing a patient's shoulder ROM, which condition is suspected if the patient experiences pain while reaching behind their neck?

1. Humeral malignancy

2. Rotator cuff injury

3. Ulnar nerve injury

4. Biceps brachii injury

The correct answer is: Rotator cuff injury

When a patient experiences pain while reaching behind their neck, it often indicates a problem within the shoulder joint, particularly relating to the structures involved in arm elevation and external rotation. A rotator cuff injury is specifically linked to difficulties and discomfort during overhead movements or when the arm is raised in this position. The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and enable a wide range of motions, including reaching behind the neck. When the rotator cuff is injured, there can be inflammation, tears, or degeneration of the tendons, which can lead to pain, especially in positions that require lifting the arm. This pain during specific movements, such as reaching behind the neck, aligns with the characteristic symptoms of a rotator cuff injury, making it the most likely condition in this scenario. In contrast, other conditions listed would not typically present with this specific symptom. For example, a humeral malignancy might have more vague symptoms without a specific movement-related pain pattern, an ulnar nerve injury would primarily affect sensations and function in the hand rather than shoulder movement, and a biceps brachii injury usually causes pain in the front of the shoulder or the upper arm but not specifically when reaching behind the neck.