A PCT is performing passive range of motion (P-ROM) on a patient's ankle. Which action should the technician perform?

When performing passive range of motion (P-ROM) on a patient's ankle, circumduction is the correct action. Circumduction involves moving the joint in a circular motion, which incorporates various movement patterns like flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. This is particularly beneficial for the ankle because it helps maintain joint mobility and flexibility, enhancing circulation and reducing stiffness.

The other options, while relevant movements of the ankle, focus on more specific actions. Abduction typically refers to moving a limb away from the midline, which isn’t specifically applicable to the ankle joint. Dorsiflexion involves bringing the toes upward towards the shin, a more localized movement that does not provide the comprehensive benefits of circumduction. External rotation is a movement more relevant to other joints, such as the hip or shoulder, rather than the ankle itself. Thus, circumduction is the most appropriate choice for effective passive range of motion exercises at the ankle.