ADLs #1 - Midterm Flashcards
Define ADL
- All activities required to care for oneself
- self-care activities a person performs daily to remain independent and to function in society
- learned in childhood
- adults complete these tasks automatically
List the ADLs
- personal hygiene and grooming
- dressing
- eating
- walking and moving about (ambulating)
- using the toilet
- cognitive processes
List factors which can interfere with an individual’s ability to complete their ADL
- vision impairment
- emotional illness
- bed rest
- pain
- paralysis
- diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease
Give examples of adaptive devices that are available for patients to use to make a task easier
- personal grooming aids (soap-on-a-rope, long-handled bath brush, electronic toothbrush, Velcro fasteners)
- eating aids (suction cups on bottom of plates, unbreakable glasses, plate guards, straws)
- walking aids (cane, crutches, walker, wheelchair)
- toiletry aids (grab bars, built-up toilet seat, commode chair)
- other aids (book rest, page turner, remote TV and radio controls, rubber doorknob)
Identify the role of the health care aide in assisting patients with ADL.
- allowing as much independence as possible
- offering encouragement
- don’t rush the patient
- ensure that adaptive devices are working and ready
- providing ADL training at time patient would normally perform the activity
- using clear, simple and brief instructions
Define admission
- official entry of a patient into a hospital or other health care facility
- sets the tone for a patient’s entire health care experience
- first impressions of the facility made by health care aides and co-workers
- helps facility gather necessary information about the patient
Define transfer
- move of a client from one place to another (one room to another or one facility to another)
- patient can be moved from one unit of the facility to another, or leave to go home
- patient can be frightened or in pain, unsure of the future
Define discharge
- official departure of a client from a hospital or other health care facility
- usually a happy event but can cause stress and take an emotional toll on the patient
- written order from doctor required for patient to be discharged
Describe the health care aide’s role in the admission procedure and special considerations for the patient being admitted to a long-term care facility
- treat patient and belongings with respect
- do not rush the admission process
- offer refreshments
- listen to concerns or questions
- help them feel at home
- show them their room and explain how to use equipment
- offer to help unpack belongings
- explain that team respects client’s privacy
- explain how to use the call bell
- provide resident with choices as to where their belongings will be placed
- make sure frequently used items are placed for easy access
Why is admitting a patient to a long-term care facility different to admitting a patient to an acute care facility?
Long-term care:
- facility is the patient’s new home
- can experience feelings of grief or loss due t leaving home
- resent loss of independence and privacy
- confused during admission and angry later
- family experiences mixed feelings (grief, guilt, relief)
- patients keep a larger number of personal belongings than at acute care
- keep belongings locked or kept at home
Discuss why patients might be transferred.
- patient may request a different room
- patient’s medical condition may change (new nursing unit)
- patient may need to be transferred to another part of the hospital for tests or procedures
- patient’s condition may require transfer to another facility
Discuss the health care aide’s role in the transfer procedures.
- prepare the new unit
- prepare the patient by calming and reassuring them and telling them what will happen beforehand
- help move the patient from the bed to a wheelchair or stretcher
- collect and keep track of the patient’s personal belongings
- report the transfer and tell nursing staff in new location
- strip the bed of linens, remove soiled supplies and equipment from old room
Discuss the health care aide’s role in discharge procedures.
- help the patient get dressed, collect and pack personal belongings, check drawers
- assist with discharge planning by keeping nurse informed of patient’s abilities with ADLs, and reporting any questions patient has
- help with transport by escorting patient from the facility
- ease the discharge by making it as pleasant as possible
- perform follow-up procedures like disinfecting and returning equipment
Define body mechanics
- special ways of standing and moving one’s body to make the best use of strength and avoid fatigue or injury
- coordinated use of body parts to produce motion and to maintain balance
- references to posture and base of support
Define posture/body alignment
-the way in which body parts (head, trunk, arms and legs) are positioned in relation to one another, whether lying, sitting or standing
Define base of support
-the area on which a object rests to prevent the object from tipping
Discuss the importance of using good body mechanics.
- poor posture: muscles, joints and ligaments become fatigued as they work to maintain proper balance
- good posture: allows body to work smoothly with least amount of effort and makes people look better
Describe the correct standing posture.
- feet are flat on the floor about a foot apart
- arms hang loosely at the sides
- chest slightly raised , abdominal muscles are tight and buttocks tucked in
- slumping can lead to backache but keeping the spine unnaturally straight can also cause strain on the back muscles and knees
What are the rules of the centre of gravity on the body?
- a firm centre of gravity is essential (the point where most of its weight is concentrated, when standing its in the centre of the pelvis or lowest part of the trunk *yoga strengthens body’s core muscles and improve posture)
- the higher the centre of gravity, the easier it is to unbalance the body
- when feet are close together, centre of gravity is somewhere around the waist = top heavy
- making yourself more compact will lower centre of gravity, you become more stable and it is harder to unbalance you (keeping feet apart and knees bent = low centre of gravity)
List basic rules or principles for proper body mechanics.
- keep body in good alignment with a wide base of support, two feet are shoulder width apart
- use the stronger and larger muscles of your body (muscles in the shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs)
- NOTE: the back has many short, relatively weak muscles that are meant to provide for trunk flexibility, not for lifting heavy loads
- **most important: think through and plan your moves before you start
1) straight back
2) tight abdominal muscles
3) knees slightly bent
4) feet shoulder-width apart
5) one foot close to the person or object being moved and one slightly behind
6) feet pointing straight ahead
7) shift weight from the foot closest to the load onto the back leg
8) keep elbows bent at the sides to avoid injury
9) keep the load you are carrying close to your body
10) include as many caregivers as is necessary to complete the task safely
11) several small moves are safer for both patient and care provider compared to one long move
12) safely transfer and position according to the care plan or change in patient status
Differentiate between strain and sprain.
Strain: caused by the over-stretching or overexertion of a muscle; usually causes pain but no visible swelling; treatment may involve rest and support for the affected part
Sprain: wrenching or twisting of a joint; more serious; extremely painful; may involve damage to the surrounding blood vessels (extensive bruising), muscles, tendons and nerves; requires medical attention; treatment involves rest, elevation, and reduction of swelling
What are good practices when lifting a patient with 2 or 3 people?
- designate one person to be the leader to provide direction for the transfer
- when team is in position and good alignment, leader will verbalized the count of 3
More than one caregiver may be needed if the patient has which characteristics?
- obese
- low or active muscle tone
- uncooperative behaviour
- requires the use of patient care equipment or devices, or has had recent hip surgery or lower limb surgery
Identify the benefits of frequent turning and positioning of patients.
- all individuals, regardless of their degree of independence, must have their position changed frequently
- provides good body mechanics for the health of the health care provider and for the patient
- promotes comfort and well-being, makes breathing easier, promotes circulation, prevents pressure ulcers
Discuss the effects of infrequent turning and positioning on circulation.
- causes pressure points which do not receive enough blood flow so the tissues in that area don’t get adequate oxygen (can lead to skin breakdown or bedsores)
- movement of muscles helps to move blood through the arteries and veins and prevents blood clots, not moving increases the danger of blood clots
Discuss the effects of infrequent turning and positioning on respiration.
- poor posture and decreased movement causes the lungs to not expand enough to allow for proper aeration
- secretions can accumulate in the lungs resulting in pneumonia
Discuss the effects of infrequent turning and positioning on elimination.
-proper positioning promotes bowel and bladder function
Discuss the effects of infrequent turning and positioning on joint mobility.
- if body joint left in same position too long, the muscles in that area start to stiffen and shorten
- joint may become locked into a fixed position permanently (contracture)
Before moving, positioning or transferring a patient, what safety measures should you follow?
- check the kardex, care plan or nurse to determine activity routine and mobility status
- determine how many attendants will be needed to assist
- always survey the environment around where the move will take place and ensure the work area is free of obstacles
Describe the proper positioning of a patient in bed in the Fowler’s Position.
- semi-to-upright sitting position
- always check with the care plan, care map or patient’s nurse for any specifics or changes to the patient’s positioning needs
- Low-Fowler’s position: raise the head of the bed 15-30 degrees
- Semi-Fowler’s position: raise the head of the bed 30-45 degrees
- High-Fowler’s position: raise the head of the bed 45-90 degrees, used when patient are eating meals in their bed (90 degrees) and 60 degrees is usually the most comfortable sitting position
- keep the spine straight
- a good position for someone who is having trouble breathing (High-Fowler’s position)
- raise client’s knees slightly using knee gatch control or small pillow
- use backrest, foam wedge pillow or sofa pillows to support client
- place small pillow behind head and neck, under arms and hands, under lower back and ankles
- measure angle of the head of the bed with angle indicator
Describe the proper positioning of a patient in bed in the Supine Position.
- back-lying position used for sleeping and resting
- use a small pillow or towel along the outside of the legs for a patient who is partially or totally paralyzed to keep legs from turning outward
- ensure patient’s head is not being pushed forward by too large a pillow under their head that it makes it too hard to breathe
- make sure bed is flat
- place the person’s arms along the person’s sides, palms facing down
- place a small pillow under the arms and hands, under the knees, lower back, thighs and ankles as directed by supervisor
Describe the proper positioning of a patient in bed in the Prone Position.
- front-lying position on the abdomen with the head turned to one side
- be sure the back is properly aligned
- use only for a short amount of time
- more comfortable without a pillow under the head
- patient can be moved toward the foot of the bed so the toes are hanging over the end of the mattress
- a small pad placed under a female patient just below the breasts to decrease pressure
- a small pad can be placed under a male patient just below the genital area to relieve pressure
- ensure elderly patients can turn their head enough to be comfortable in this position
- a good position for a patient who has had an above-knee amputation to prevent contracture of the upper leg
- not recommended for patients with cervical or lumbar spinal problems
- patients who have heart or breathing problems may feel like they are suffocating in this position
Describe the proper positioning of a patient in bed in the Lateral Position.
- side-lying position
- be sure the head is in line with the spine
- upper and lower leg should form a right-angle at the knees
- hip, knee and ankle should be at the same height off the mattress
- check often to make sure the client isn’t experiencing pain, numbness, or discomfort
- bend the upper leg at the knee, position the upper leg in front of the lower leg
- place a small pillow under the head and neck, upper leg and thigh, upper hand and arm, and against the client’s back
Describe the proper positioning of a patient in bed in the Sims’ Position.
- left-side-lying position in which the right leg is sharply flexed
- combination of lying on the abdomen and side-lying
- used for administering enemas or used for resting
- not comfortable for older adults, but if you must place lots of pillows
- check with supervisor first
- make sure the bed is flat
- position the client on the left side
- bend the upper right leg and position it such that it does not lie on the lower left leg
- bend the upper right arm and position the hand palm down near the head
- place the lower left arm behind the client palm facing up
- place a small pillow under the head and neck, upper arm and hand and under the upper leg
What are pivot transfers?
- to help a resident move in and out of bed
- to help a resident move in and out of a wheelchair, commode or tub chair
- patient must be able to bear their own weight on at least one lower limb, attain and maintain an upright position during the transfer, and can turn through the pivot movement
Describe the proper positioning of a patient in a chair.
- chair is sturdy and comfortable
- provides adequate support to the patient’s head and spine
- feet should rest flat on the floor or footrest
- if can’t keep their bodes in an upright sitting position, may require postural supports which can restrict movement and should be used with caution
When sitting in a chair, it is not uncommon for patients to slide down in the seat. Which guidelines should you follow to reposition a patient sitting in a high-backed chair?
1) stabilize the chair against a wall
2) position the patient with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, heels in line with front edge of the chair, cross the patient’s arms in front across his lap
3) stand in front of the patient with your knees resting against his legs, place one foot sideways in front of his feet to prevent them from slipping forward
4) place the palms of your hands over his shoulders and ease the patient forward to an upright position, be sure to use your thigh and stomach muscles
When sitting in a chair, it is not uncommon for patients to slide down in the seat. Which guidelines should you follow to reposition a patient sitting in a wheelchair or low-back chair?
- repositioning using a transfer belt
1) position wheelchair in front of a grab rail or side rail of the bed, ensure brakes of both bed and wheelchair are on
2) if patient is independent they may stand under cuing if not use a transfer belt
3) apply transfer belt, ensure that it is tight and secure
4) health care aide is positioned on the weak side of the patient
5) instruct patient to lean forward, nose over toes and push off on arms of the chair on a decided count
6) have patient hold onto the grab rail or side rail of the bed
7) instruct them to sit
8) ensure that the patient is properly positioned and comfortable
List general guidelines for proper positioning.
- use proper body mechanics for yourself
- keep the bed clean and dry
- be sure that all extremities can move freely
- avoid placing one body part, particularly one wth bony prominences, directly on top of another body part
- check the patient’s skin every time they are turned, pay particular attention to bony prominences
- for patients who are heavy or who cannot move independently, have two or more health care workers move or turn the patient
- be sure the patient’s body alignment is straight, not curved or twisted
- always ask the patient if they are comfortable
How often must a patient be turned and positioned?
- at least every two hours throughout the day as well as during the night (should correspond to when the patient is awake)
- prepare a 24-hour turning schedule to be placed on the patient’s nursing care plan or at the bedside
Identify commonly used positioning and supportive devices.
1) pillows: cushion and support body parts in good alignment and relief pressure, too many can cause the opposite effect
2) folded towels: used like pillows for positioning
3) foot board: a padded board placed upright at the foot of the bed when patient is lying supine with their feet placed flat against the board (helps to prevent foot drop)
4) bed cradles: device placed under the top covers to keep them off the patient’s legs and feet to relive pressure and prevent toes from being pushed down out of alignment
5) hand rolls: placed in the palm of the hand to prevent the hand and fingers from contracting in the bent position, must be removed regularly to exercise fingers and wrist
6) splints: used to provide support and keep a body part in proper alignment, usually made of plastic or metal padded with foam
7) hip abduction wedges: abduction is moving a body part away from the midline of the body
8) trapeze: used for exercises to strengthen arm muscles; is suspended from an overbed frame and the client grasps the bar with both hands to lift the trunk off the bed
9) trochanter roll: prevent the hips and legs from turning outward; made by folding sheets and rolling them up; the loose end is placed under the client from hip to knee and the roll is tucked alongside the body
Discuss special considerations when positioning patients with the following condition: degenerative nervous system disorder
Ex) Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis
- effect control and movement of muscles, stiffness in or flaccidity of muscles, shaking and tremors, increasingly difficult to walk, extremely frustrating and emotionally upsetting for patients
- patients require patience and understanding by family and staff, frequent rest periods and careful assistance with ambulation and positioning
Discuss special considerations when positioning patients with the following condition: arthritis
- joints are swollen and very painful, restricts and slows movement
- due to being unable to move themselves, correct positioning of paralyzed limbs is necessary to prevent joint contractures and pressure sores
Discuss special considerations when positioning patients with the following condition: cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or stroke
- caused by the bursting or blockage of a blood vessel in the brain, patients frequently paralyzed on one side and may be confused and unable to speak or see well
- patients are unable to move themselves, correct positioning o paralyzed limbs is necessary to prevent joint contractures and pressure sores
Discuss special considerations when positioning patients with the following condition: hip fracture
- common in the elderly due to falling more easily and their bones are brittle, fixed by pinning or hip replacement
- after surgery, special positioning is necessary to prevent hip dislocation: avoid adduction (moving a body part toward the midline of the body) and flexion of the hip, place several pillows between the legs when positioning or turning the person can help prevent adduction, the hip should be flexed no more than 90 degrees, patients must use raised toilet seats and not to bend at the waist or sit in low chairs or wheelchairs, positioning protocols are often posted at patient’s bedside
Define bedrest vs bedrest with bathroom privileges
Bedrest: Patient must remain in bed and may or may not be allowed to perform self-care activities
Bedrest with bathroom privileges: Patient must remain in bed but is allowed to be up to the bathroom as necessary
Discuss general comfort and safety measures before you start moving or transferring a patient.
1) assess and plan each activity beforehand, size up the load before moving, get help if you need it
2) prepare the patient by explaining to them what is going to be done and encourage the patient to participate as much as possible
3) survey the environment around the work area and ensure it is free of any obstacles
4) ask the patient how much they are able to assist (some days can be better than others or you may need one person one day and two the next)
5) maintain good posture to reduce stress on the back and therefore reduce the risk of injury
6) wear appropriate footwear