The nurse is caring for a patient with impaired physical mobility. Which potential complications will the nurse monitor for in this pi(Select All that Apply.)
Foot drop
Increased socialization
Somnolence
Hypostatic pneumonia
Impaired skin intergrity
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A) Foot drop: Foot drop is a common complication associated with impaired physical mobility. It occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the front of the foot become weak or paralyzed, often due to prolonged immobility or neurological impairment. The nurse should monitor for this condition and implement preventive measures like using ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to support the foot in a neutral position and promote proper alignment.
B) Increased socialization: While it is important to encourage socialization and support mental health, increased socialization is not a complication associated with impaired mobility. In fact, patients with impaired mobility are more likely to experience social isolation, not increased socialization. Therefore, the nurse should focus on strategies to encourage social interaction to prevent feelings of loneliness and depression.
C) Somnolence: Somnolence, or excessive sleepiness, is not directly related to impaired physical mobility. While some patients with severe illness or conditions may experience somnolence, it is not a common complication of immobility. Instead, the nurse should focus on monitoring for complications like respiratory issues or skin breakdown.
D) Hypostatic pneumonia: Hypostatic pneumonia is a complication that can occur when a patient remains in a supine or immobile position for an extended period. The lack of movement and deep breathing can lead to pooled secretions in the lungs, which increases the risk of infection. The nurse should monitor for signs of respiratory distress and encourage frequent position changes, deep breathing, and coughing exercises to reduce the risk.
E) Impaired skin integrity: Impaired skin integrity is a major concern in patients with impaired mobility. Prolonged pressure on bony prominences due to immobility can lead to pressure ulcers (bedsores). The nurse should monitor the skin regularly, implement pressure-relieving devices, and reposition the patient frequently to prevent skin breakdown.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Each movement is repeated 5 times by the patient: While active range-of-motion (ROM) exercises often involve repetition, the key goal of passive ROM exercises (when the nurse is assisting the patient) is not to have the patient repeat movements. Instead, the nurse should ensure the patient’s joints are moved gently to their fullest range without causing discomfort or damage. Repeating movements a specific number of times isn't a required approach for passive ROM.
B) Each movement is moved just to the point of resistance by the nurse: This technique is the most appropriate when performing passive ROM exercises. The nurse should gently move the joint through its range of motion and stop at the point where resistance is felt, but without pushing into pain or forcing movement beyond the joint’s natural limits. This approach helps prevent injury while still providing the necessary mobility and flexibility.
C) Each movement is completed quickly and smoothly by the nurse: While the movement should be smooth, it should never be rushed or performed quickly, as that can cause strain or discomfort. ROM exercises should be done slowly and deliberately to avoid injury and to allow the joints to move through their full range of motion without abrupt movements. Quick motions could increase the risk of joint or muscle injury.
D) Each movement is performed until the patient reports pain: ROM exercises should be performed gently and within the range that does not cause pain. The goal is to maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures, not to push the patient into pain. If the patient reports pain, the nurse should stop immediately to avoid injury and reassess the approach to ROM exercises. Pain should never be a target for achieving range of motion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "I will place an area rug at the entry of my bathroom": This statement indicates a misunderstanding of safety guidelines. Rugs, especially if they are not properly secured, can pose a tripping hazard. It is recommended to avoid area rugs in high-risk areas like the bathroom to prevent falls.
B) "I will keep the fluorescent ceiling light on in my room at night": While adequate lighting is essential for fall prevention, leaving a bright fluorescent light on can lead to glare and difficulty with vision at night, potentially increasing the risk of a fall. A nightlight or low-level lighting near the bed or bathroom would be more appropriate.
C) "I will place a bath seat in my shower to use when I bathe": This statement indicates that the client understands the need for safety measures to prevent falls. Using a bath seat in the shower allows the client to sit while bathing, reducing the risk of slipping or losing balance, particularly if they are at risk for falls or have difficulty standing for long periods.
D) "I will keep my walker at the end of my bed": This action could be unsafe because the client might need to walk a distance to retrieve the walker when getting out of bed, which increases the risk of a fall. The walker should be kept within easy reach, such as near the bedside, to ensure it is available immediately when the client needs to get up.
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