Mobility Flashcards
What are elastic stockings? (TEDs)
Stocking that cover knee to toes. Provide 12-20mm of pressure continuously.
What are sequential compression devices? (SCDs)
Inflatable wraps that go around the feet and intermittently inflate.
What two things do you need to measure prior to applying compression devices?
The circumference of the largest part of the calf and the length between the patient’s buttock fold and the bottom of their heel. Use two fingers to check if it is too tight after application.
How often do you replace compression devices?
At least every 8 hours. Asses skin condition and circulatory status.
Define body mechanics.
the safe use of the body to maintain balance, posture, and alignment during movement. especially bending, lifting, and walking. You should also bend at the knees instead of the back to pick things up. You should also use your legs to lift things instead of your back. You should keep you client close to your body and at a comfortable working height to avoid leaning and stretching. When turning avoid twisting and instead move your entire body around.
Name the three most common assistive devices.
A gait belt, transfer board, and draw sheet.
How often should you reposition a client and why?
Once at least every two hours and to maintain body alignment and avoid complications like pressure ulcers, contractures, and foot drop.
What are some things you can use to avoid complications in bed-ridden patients?
Use a foot board to keep the patient’s foot dorsiflexed. Pillows for soft positioning and support. Trochanter rolls at the base of the lower back for patients that have muscle weakness or paralysis. It keep the patient’s hips in a neutral position. Make a hand roll to position a patient’s hand/fingers.
How do you provide support to a patient in the supine position?
Use this position after surgery . Pillow under head and shoulders and towel/roll under small of back and under thighs to keep the patient’s knees slightly flexed. You can elevate the forearms by providing support at their sides.
How do you provide support to a patient in the prone position?
Patient lies on abdomen with head turned to one side. Sometimes the arms are flexed on either side of the head. Place a pillow under the patient’s head and a roll just under the diaphragm. Also place a pillow under the lower legs so the toes don’t touch the bed. This position sucks and can cause hyperextension of the lower back, foot drop, and difficulty breathing.
How do you provide support to a patient in the lateral position?
The client lies on one side of the body with the top leg in front of the bottom leg. The hip and knee are angled and relaxed. This position helps relive pressure from people who are on bed rest and spend a lot of time in supine/fowlers. Place a pillow under the patient’s neck/head, under the upper arm, and between the legs.
How do you provide support to a patient in the sims position?
The patient is halfway between the prone and lateral position. Their lower arm is behind them flexed and their upper arm is in front of them flexed. This position is for when the doc/nurse needs access to the perineal area. Place a pillow under their head and upper arm.
How do you provide support to a patient in the orthopneic position?
This is where the patient is sitting and is given something to lean forward against to sleep/rest on. It is used for clients that have trouble breathing lying down.
How do you provide support to a patient in the fowlers position?
Fowlers position is sitting up in bed. This increases comfort, circulation, ventilation, and helps patients relax after thoracic surgery. Place pillows behind the hips and lower back, as well as forearms, thighs and ankles for support. You can also use a foot board.
How do you provide support to a patient in the semi-fowlers position?
Sitting up with the head elevated 30 degrees. Used for patient that have cardiac, respiratory, or neurologic problems. Optimal for patients with nasogastric tubes.
