Chapter 16

Muscle Atrophy: Reduction in muscle mass due to decreased physical activity.
Decreased Joint Flexibility: Range of motion in joints diminishes over time when they are not actively used.
Decreased Range of Motion: Indicated as a limitation to normal movement resulting from immobility.
Contractures: Shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity.
Risk of Osteoporosis: Increased risk of fragile bones due to lack of weight-bearing stimulation.

Maintain Proper Body Alignment: Position patients to prevent strain and injury.
Use Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercises: Regularly perform ROM exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.

Encourage Movements of the Extremities: Enhance circulation by gentle exercises.
Apply Ordered Devices: Use compression stockings or pneumatic devices to prevent pooling of blood.
Change Position Frequently: Move the patient to reduce stasis.
Remain with Patient Initially Getting Out of Bed: Ensure safety during transfers to upright position.
Position Change from Horizontal to Vertical: Facilitates blood flow and prevents orthostatic hypotension.

Respiratory Muscle Weakness: Muscles may weaken due to inactivity, impairing breathing ability.
Pulmonary Emboli: Risk increases which can be life-threatening.
Hypostatic Pneumonia: Lung consolidation due to fluid accumulation.
Atelectasis: Collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.

Turn the Patient Every 2 Hours: Facilitates lung expansion and fluid drainage.
Elevate the Head of the Bed 45 Degrees or More: Assists in the respiratory effort.
Encourage Cough and Deep Breathing Exercises Every Hour: Promotes lung expansion and secretion clearance.
Encourage Use of Incentive Spirometer: Aids in ensuring deep inhalation, preventing atelectasis.

Reposition Patients Every 2 Hours: Encourages bowel function and prevents stasis.
Inquire About Food Preferences: Tailor meal selection to ensure intake of nutritious foods.
Encourage Fiber-Rich Foods: Assists in promoting bowel regularity.
Provide Laxatives or Stool Softeners as Needed: To prevent constipation.

Provide Adequate Fluid Intake: Prevents concentrated urine that can lead to infections and stones.
Assist in Sitting Position for Urination: Enhances comfort and the ability to void.
Assess the Patient's Output: Monitor for urinary retention or changes in output.

Provide Adequate Nutrition: Essential for skin health and prevention of breakdown.
Reposition Patients Every 2 Hours: Redistributes pressure and enhances blood flow.
Inspect Bony Prominences for Redness: Frequent checks for early signs of pressure injuries.
Use Mild Soaps for Cleansing: Prevents skin irritation.
Provide Appropriate Surface for the Patient: Using specialized mattresses or cushions to reduce pressure.

Ask Specific Questions Related to Person, Place, and Time: Assess orientation and cognitive function.
Use Foot Splints or High-Topped Tennis Shoes: Help maintain proper foot positioning.
Perform Neurological Checks: Regular assessment to identify issues early.
Provide Clues to Date and Time: Help orient confused patients.
Gently Reorient with Correct Information: Encourage awareness and reduce confusion.

Depression: Mood changes due to inactivity.
Anxiety: Increased stress levels from lack of control over situation.
Hostility: Frustration related to limitations.
Fear: Fear related to health or loss of independence.
Sensory Deprivation: Lack of visual, auditory, and interactive stimuli.
Difficulty Sleeping: Issues with sleep patterns due to discomfort or anxiety.

Ensure Distractions: Provide books, music, or other stimulation.
Involve Senses with Pleasant Experiences: Enhance environment with aromas, flavors, and sounds.
Encourage Wakefulness and Alertness: Helps maintain mental activity.
Allow Independence: Encourage patients to perform activities to boost morale.
Encourage Visits from Family and Friends: Support social interaction to improve emotional well-being.

Logroll: Technique to turn patients while maintaining spinal alignment.
Transfer Belts: Used to assist staff in safely moving patients.
Slide Sheets: Facilitate moving patients without lifting.
Slide Boards: Aid in transferring patients from one surface to another—such as bed to chair.
Sit-to-Stand Lifts: Assist patients in rising to a standing position safely.
Manual Transfers: Staff-guided transfer methods for moving patients.

Fowler’s Position: Variants include low, semi, and high Fowler’s positioning, which helps with respiratory function.
Orthopneic Position: Assists patients with respiratory distress to breathe better.
Lateral Position: Laying on either side to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.
Semi-prone Position: Laying slightly to the side, which can provide comfort while preventing pressure injuries.
Prone Position: Laying on the stomach which can benefit respiratory function in certain cases.
Transfer Techniques: Methods for safe patient positioning and transfer.
Body Mechanics: Essential principles to prevent injury to caregivers while lifting or moving patients.
Positioning Devices: Includes items like pillows, trochanter rolls, foot splints, blankets, washcloths, and arm boards to assist in maintaining correct body alignment or comfort.