HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

Normal muscle tone in relaxed extremities is characterized by mild, even resistance to movement, which reflects the state of the muscle fibers being partially contracted while at rest. This balanced tension allows for a fluid range of motion and enables the muscles to respond effectively to external forces without causing discomfort or rigidity. A slight resistance indicates healthy muscle tone, contributing to stability and posture.

When muscles are hypotonic, they exhibit very little resistance and may feel excessively loose, which is not the expected finding for normal muscle tone. Similarly, firm or rigid resistance to movement suggests increased tone or spasticity, which is indicative of hypertonia rather than normal muscle tone. Experiencing slight pain during movement is also not aligned with normal muscle tone; it suggests the presence of a musculoskeletal issue or discomfort that should not be present during normal assessment of relaxed extremities.