falls prevention , mobility Flashcards
mobility
All routine activities of daily living require energy expenditure and the ability to move freely. Energy in exercise requires a normal musculoskeletal and nervous system, plus a supply of energy which is promoted by an effective cardiopulmonary system.
Impaired physical mobility
: A state in which the individual experiences a limitation of ability for independent physical movement.
Disability :
Is any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal
Handicap :
Is a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from impairment or a disability, that limits or prevents the fulfilment of a role that is normal for than individual
Impairment :
Is any loss of abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function
Diseases that Affect Mobility
Neuromuscular diseases Musculoskeletal diseases Pain Postural hypotension Cardiac disease Respiratory disease Perceptual/ cognitive impairment Physical feature of environment Characteristics of the carers Availability of social supports Equipment function and maintenance
range of motion (ROM)
Is the maximum amount of movement possible at a joint, which is also limited in its direction by ligaments, muscles and construction of the joint
Intrinsic Factors Causing Falls
Intrinsic factors are the factors which are within the body. It is also the physical aspect of the athlete’s body that can cause injury.
Medical (hypotension, side effect of medications)
Gait or balance irregularities (Parkinsons, stroke)
Transfers - incorrect / inappropriate / insufficient use of mobility aid (Walker, safety pole, bathroom grab bars)
Weakness or reduced sensation in leg(s)
Vision deficit (difficulty seeing steps or obstacles)
Attitude e.g. lacks insight with safety / unconcerned about falls
Poor nutrition (weight loss, poor appetite)
Cognition (difficulty following instructions, confusion)
Continence (urgency, nocturia, accidents)
Fear of falling (restricting activities)
Extrinsic Factors Causing Falls
Loose mats/ carpet Uneven floors/footpaths/surfaces/ curbs/stairs Slippery surfaces (bath, showers, wet floors) Toilet/bed/chair height Poor lighting/glare Time of day Obstacles/clutter/cables/cords Pets Inappropriate clothing or footwear Public transport
advantages of slide sheets
- Reduce friction/shearing on skin
- Helps maintain integrity of skin
- Reduce manual handling risks
- Prevents lifting or twisting
- More comfortable for patient
- More cost effective overall
standing machines
Patient must be:
Physically able to stand or weight bear for a sufficient amount of time during a transfer
Able to co-operate and follow instructions
lifting machine
Can be used for most patients
A sling must be used to support the patient’s weight
The weight limits for each sling/patient must be checked
Always performed with two (2) staff members
Never leave the patient unattended
Always follow the manufacturers instructions
hazpak
Hazpak is one example of a risk assessment tool
things that can prevent falls
Things that can be done to help reduce the risk of falls include:
• Eating healthy and nutritious food
• Drinking enough fluids
• Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle
• Taking medication only as prescribed
• Wearing the right shoes
• Making sure that clothing is the correct size
• Wiping up any spills immediately
• Making sure there is adequate lighting at all times
• Keeping pathways in good condition and clean
• Marking the edges of steps so they are easy to see
gait is …
Gait is the manner of walking and includes rhythm, cadence and speed.
Assessing gait allows the nurse to observe balance, posture and ability to walk.
Normal gait: Smooth, free coordinated movement ; Symmetrical arm swing ;Heel gently strikes floor with knee extended, weight then smoothly transferred towards toes with knee slightly flexed; Balanced ;Head erect and central Body erect ;
Normal also implies that an individual may perform self-care without pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, tachycardia, palpitations, and undue effort
