During the adduction of the shoulder, what should be done?

When performing shoulder adduction, the primary action involves bringing the arm closer to the body. This means gently returning the resident's arm to the side of their body is the correct approach. Adduction is a movement that decreases the angle between the limb and the midline of the body, making it essential to guide the arm back toward the centerline.

This helps in promoting stability and functionality for the resident, particularly for those who may have limited mobility or are recovering from injuries. It's important to maintain a gentle and supportive technique during this process to ensure the resident feels comfortable and secure.

The other possibilities involve movements contrary to adduction. Lifting the arm vertically implies abduction, extending the arm away from the body also indicates abduction, and rotating the arm inwards may not effectively contribute to stabilizing the arm's position in relation to the body's midline. Therefore, returning the arm to the side aligns precisely with the definition and action of shoulder adduction.