Which assessment covers muscle strength in a musculoskeletal exam?

Muscle tone is the correct assessment for evaluating muscle strength within a musculoskeletal exam. Muscle tone refers to the resting tension in muscles and is influenced by the nervous system. It helps in determining how well a muscle can contract and support positions and movements. Assessing muscle tone gives practitioners insight into the function and strength of the muscles, which is essential for identifying any weaknesses or abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system.

While joint integrity focuses on the condition of the joints themselves and their ability to function properly, range of motion specifically assesses the degrees of movement possible at a joint, and skeletal deformity pertains to the structural shape and arrangement of bones. These assessments do not directly measure muscle strength, which is why they are not the correct choice for this question. Understanding muscle tone is vital for accurately evaluating a patient's muscle strength and overall physical health.