Week 8 - Immobility

Question 1

What are some Urinary System Complications?

Answer 1

• Urinary calculi
• Urinary retention
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)

Question 2

Urinary Nursing interventions

Answer 2

• Avoid bed rest and immobility
• Promote activity and weight bearing exercises
• Push fluids (3 litres) to flush out the calcium and small stones
• Privacy; call bell; facilitate correct upright position to pass urine
• Monitor fluid balance

Question 3

Define 2 Musculoskeletal System
Complications?

Answer 3

Contractures
* A permanent contraction of a muscle group caused by shortening and fibrosis of the muscle fibres, leading to loss of/alteration in function
Osteoporosis
* Loss of bony tissue resulting in bones that are brittle and likely to fracture

Question 4

Musculoskeletal Nursing Interventions

Answer 4

• Mobilise or stand the patient; promote low impact weight bearing exercises
• Correct positioning and body alignment
• Support, cushioning, avoid weight on feet
• Active and passive exercises - - Vitamin D and calcium supplements; calcium rich diets - Exposure to sunlight
• Hip protectors; avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Question 5

What is Faecal Impaction and what are nursing interventions ?

Answer 5

• Accumulation of hardened faeces in the rectum or sigmoid colon that cannot be expelled-> May result in faecal incontinence

Interventions:
* Removal of hard faeces – manually with lubricated glove and caution as to not damage rectal wall
* Cleansing enemas; regular aperient
* High fibre diet (bulk)
* Hydration; promote exercise
* Bowel regime