Joint Movements
Movement away from the midline of the body
Movement toward the midline of the body
Abduction & Adduction
Sitting at the bedside with feet on the floor.
Dangling
When a muscle decreases in size and strength, wasting away and becoming weak
Atrophy
The medical term meaning to walk
Ambulate
Moving a resident from one place to another, such as moving them from a bed to a wheelchair
Transfer
To bend or flex a limb
To straighten or extend a limb
Flexion & Extension
The position of a resident in bed when the head of the bed is elevated
Fowler’s Position
A permanent shortening or contracting of muscles
Contractures
Range of motion exercises done by the resident independently, versus joint exercises performed for the resident when they cannot do it themselves
Active Range of Motion (AROM) and Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
Lying flat on the back, versus lying on one's side in bed
Supine Position and Side-Lying (Lateral) Position
To rotate the joint toward the midline of the body (inward)
To rotate the joint away from the midline of the body (outward)
Rotation (internal & external)
The correct position of the body for good posture
Body Alignment
The general loss of ability to move a part or all of the body
Paralysis
To turn with your whole body rather than twisting at the waist
Pivot
Material shaped like a tube that carries liquids or gases into or out of the body (e.g., urinary catheters, oxygen, IVs, feeding tubes)
Tubing
Exercises that move the muscles and joints as far as possible without pain or discomfort
Range of Motion
The four main elevations for bed head angles: Low 15-30, Semi 30-45, Standard 45-60, and high 60-90
Low, Semi, standard, High Fowler's Position
When half of the body (either the right or left side) is paralyzed
Hemiplegia
General tools that allow a person to perform ADL tasks, or modified tools specifically adapted to assist with ADLs
Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment
Nursing care designed to help a resident maintain their highest level of functioning
Restorative Care
Physical activity designed to strengthen the body or parts of the bod
Exercise
Refers to all types of body movement such as walking, moving in bed, or transferring from a bed to a chair.
Mobility
Paralysis affecting both legs, versus paralysis affecting all four extremities and the trunk
Paraplegia & Quadriplegia
A step-by-step process that promotes a resident regaining as much independence as possible following surgery or an accident
Progressive Mobilization
Care focused on restoring a resident to their highest level of functioning following an illness or injury.
Rehabilitation