What it means
In maternity care, PROM means the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins (prelabor or premature rupture of membranes); when this happens before 37 weeks it is called PPROM. In therapy and nursing care, PROM means passive range of motionRAYNJ uv MOH-shunHow far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.Full entry : someone else moves the client's joints because the client cannot. The setting tells you which one is meant.
For the nurse
If the meaning is not clear from the context, ask. After rupture of membranes, check the fetal heart rate, the color, amount and smell of the fluid, and the time it happened. For passive range of motion, move each joint gently only to the point of resistance, never to pain.
Related terms
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
umbilical cord prolapse
A condition in which the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of or beside the fetus's presenting part.