Question

2) Immobility can be a great problem to patients and can jeopardize their health. Discuss how you can prevent this when providing care to a patient with a specific condition. Be clear in identifying the specific condition.

Answer 1

Immobility refers to restricted movements or absence of movement .This can detoriate a patients health and prolong the length of hospital stay.It affects the musculoskeletal system from externally to internally.

Conditions like bedridden patients ,post surgery especially hip, spinal cord and limb surgeries,fractures,congenital musculoskeletal disorder often experience immobility.The problem starts with redness,skin peeling, pain,stages of skin ulcer (decubitus ulcer),invading to muscles followed by skeletal system, nerve damage causing loss of function and part of the body.

This can be prevented when providing care to a patient in the following way

• Positioning the patient every second hourly to relieve pressure
• Providing back massage to enhanc circulation (oil massage,tapping with talcum powder,moisturiser )
• Passive range of motion exercise can be done to enhance circulation, relieve rigidity of muscles and homes
• Physiotherapy to improve the function of musculoskeletal system
• Mobilise the patient as early as possible post surgery
• In bed ridden patients cushion gel under heel ,elbow ,alpha bed prevents the pressure
• Nutrition plays a key role in providing strength to the patients
• Strength trainingcan improve muscle functions