1 / 24

Unit 17

Unit 17. The Patient’s Mobility: Ambulation. Objectives. Spell and define terms. Describe the purpose of assistive devices used in ambulation. List safety measures for using assistive devices. Describe safety measures for using a wheelchair. Objectives.

lois
Download Presentation

Unit 17

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Unit 17 The Patient’s Mobility: Ambulation

  2. Objectives • Spell and define terms. • Describe the purpose of assistive devices used in ambulation. • List safety measures for using assistive devices. • Describe safety measures for using a wheelchair.

  3. Objectives • Describe nursing assistant actions for: • Ambulating a patient using a gait belt • Propelling a patient in a wheelchair • Positioning a patient in a wheelchair • Transporting a patient on a stretcher

  4. Objectives • Demonstrate the following procedures: • Procedure 30 Assisting the Patient to Walk with a Cane and Three-Point Gait • Procedure 31 Assisting the Patient to Walk with a Walker and Three-Point Gait • Procedure 32 Assisting the Falling Patient

  5. Ambulation • Ambulate • To walk • Some patients may not be able to walk because of a disease or an injury • Patients who cannot walk may be able to self-propel wheelchairs to increase their independence

  6. Patient Footwear • Nonslip footwear should be worn in health care facilities with tile floors • In facilities that are carpeted • Some patients may need shoes with a different type of sole • Inform the nurse if a footwear evaluation is needed

  7. Normal Gait Pattern • There are two phases to a normal gait • Leg is on the floor during the first phase • Leg is brought forward in the second phase • Gait training • Physical therapist may work with a patient on this

  8. Assistive Devices • Assistive devices • Crutches • Canes • Walkers

  9. The Falling Patient • If a patient starts to fall: • You must protect both yourself and the patient • Do not try to hold him or her upright • This will strain your back and may injure the patient

  10. Use of Wheelchairs • Many individuals who are unable to ambulate • Can gain some independence with the use of a wheelchair

  11. Use of Wheelchairs • The wheelchair is a mobility device, not a transportation device • Used for patient independence and socialization, not for staff convenience

  12. Use of Wheelchairs • The wheelchair must be the proper size to fit the patient • In some situations, special wheelchairs or adaptations are needed

  13. Use of Wheelchairs • Position patient in the 90-90-90 position • Feet supported and the knees lower than the hips

  14. Use of Wheelchairs • Use pillows, props, adaptive devices, or restraint alternatives • This ensures the patient can maintain an upright position

  15. Positioning Dependent Patient in a Wheelchair • Dependent person may slide down in the wheelchair • This requires assistance to regain body alignment • Several procedures can be used to correct the dependent patient’s position in the wheelchair

  16. Positioning Dependent Patient in a Wheelchair • Some manual lifting devices, such as the TLC pad may be used • Refer to Figure 17-16A

  17. Positioning Dependent Patient in a Wheelchair

  18. Wheelchair Activity • Pressure over the buttocks is dramatically increased when the patient is sitting • Teach the patient to periodically relieve the pressure • Weight should be shifted every 15 minutes

  19. Leaning • If a patient cannot do push-ups • Teach patient to place the hands on the armrests or thighs • Have patient lean forward slightly and then to each side to relieve pressure on the buttocks

  20. Other Preventive Measures • If the patient is wearing a hospital gown • Place a folded bath blanket, reusable (cloth) underpad, or pressure relieving pad in the seat of the wheelchair • This prevents the patient’s skin from contacting the vinyl chair seat

  21. The Wheelchair Seat • Sling seat of the wheelchair • Tends to hammock (sag) in the center when a patient sits on it • Sagging causes rotation of the inner thighs • This increases pressure on the coccyx and buttocks • Two common sites of pressure ulcers

  22. The Wheelchair Seat • Hammocking of the seat promotes sliding • Placing a pressure relieving cushion with a leveling pad in the chair corrects the sagging • Distributing weight more evenly and reducing pressure

  23. The Wheelchair Seat • Although a foam cushion and leveling pad help correct positioning problems • They also trap heat • Heat is a contributing factor to pressure ulcers • Move the patient often so the skin cools

  24. Transporting a Patient by Stretcher • Before moving a patient on a stretcher • Make sure that the side rails are up and all safety belts are fastened

More Related