Mobility Basics
This term means the ability to move from one place to another independently.
What is ambulation?
Prolonged immobility can cause this potentially life-threatening blood clot to form in the calf or thigh.
What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
This should be kept within the patient's reach to reduce the risk of an unsafe attempt to get out of bed.
What is the call light?
This movement bends a joint and decreases the angle between two bones.
What is flexion?
This complication of immobility occurs when blood pools in the veins because muscle movement is no longer helping return blood to the heart.
What is venous stasis?
This term involves coordination between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and the use of alignment, balance, gravity, and friction.
What is body mechanics?
This triad of factors contributes to the development of a DVT: venous stasis, vessel wall injury, and hypercoagulability.
What is Virchow's triad?
The nurse should place the patient's bed in this position to reduce fall risk.
What is the lowest position?
This movement draws the toes upward toward the body.
What is dorsiflexion?
This intervention helps prevent respiratory complications of immobility by promoting lung expansion and mobilizing secretions.
What is coughing and deep breathing?
These three body systems work together to allow movement: muscles, bones, and this system that conducts impulses.
What is the nervous system?
After several days of bedrest, a patient becomes dizzy and lightheaded when standing. This condition is most likely responsible.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
This type of equipment can be used to provide additional support when assisting a patient with ambulation or transfer.
What is a gait belt?
Moving a limb away from the body's midline is called this.
What is abduction?
To prevent urinary complications in a patient with an indwelling catheter, the drainage bag should remain below this structure.
What is the bladder?
This type of muscle is attached to bones by tendons and is under voluntary control.
What is skeletal muscle?
Immobility causes shallow respirations and pooling of secretions, increasing the patient's risk for this collapsed-airway condition.
What is atelectasis?
Uncoordinated lifts, high exertion, awkward postures, and manual lifting are all risk factors for this type of injury.
What is a patient-handling injury?
Moving a limb toward the body's midline is called this.
What is adduction?
A patient who has been confined to bed has shallow respirations and difficulty clearing respiratory secretions. The nurse recognizes that immobility has increased the patient's risk for this respiratory complication.
What is pneumonia?
When beginning to mobilize a patient who has been on prolonged bedrest, the nurse should progress the patient through these two positions before ambulation.
What are sitting and standing?
A patient has been on prolonged bedrest and suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and a rapid heart rate. The nurse recognizes this complication.
What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A patient becomes dizzy and weak immediately after standing. The nurse should have the patient do this to reduce the risk of a fall.
What is sit or lie down?
Maintaining neutral alignment, supporting natural curves, and eliminating pressure points are goals of this nursing intervention.
What is proper positioning?
A patient has been immobile for an extended period. The nurse notices that the patient's joints are becoming difficult to move through their normal range. This musculoskeletal complication is developing.
What is a contracture?