FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

If a patient’s muscle strength is active against gravity and some resistance, what is the likely muscle grade?

1. +5

2. +3

3. +4

4. +2

The correct answer is: +4

Muscle strength is often assessed using a grading scale that ranges from 0 to 5, with each grade reflecting a specific level of strength and functionality. In this context, a grade of +4 indicates that the patient can move their muscle against gravity and can also sustain movement against some resistance. This implies that the muscle exhibits good strength but is not maximal, as it is able to perform against moderate resistance. In contrast, a muscle grade of +5 represents normal strength, meaning the muscle can move against gravity and withstand full resistance; +3 indicates that the muscle can move against gravity without resistance but cannot resist external forces; and +2 denotes that the muscle can only initiate movement when gravity is eliminated, typically when the limb is supported. Hence, the diagnosis of active movement against gravity and some resistance aligns with the characteristics of a grade of +4.