What does the term "adduction" refer to in patient movement?

Adduction refers to the movement of a body part toward the midline of the body. In the context of patient movement, when a caregiver performs adduction, they are moving an extremity closer to the body. This movement is crucial in various patient care scenarios, such as repositioning or assisting patients with limb control.

For example, when assisting a patient in bed, a nurse might bring the patient's arm or leg toward their body to facilitate comfort and reduce the risk of injury. Understanding adduction is essential for ensuring safe and effective patient handling, as it contributes to maintaining proper alignment and stability during movement.