IMMOBILITY

RISKS AND
PREVENTION
Question:

Which major body systems are impacted by

immobility?
Answer:

ALL OF
THEM!!!!!
Factors impacting effects of immobility:

 Extent & duration of immobilization

 Age of individual
 Physical condition
 Nutritional intake
Metabolic changes with immobility

 Decrease in metabolic rate

 Alteration of nutrient metabolism
 Electrolyte imbalance
 Nitrogen imbalance
 Calcium loss
Gastrointestinal system

 Decreased GI motility
 Anorexia
 Constipation
 Fecal impaction
Respiratory system

 Atelectasis
 Hypostatic pneumonia
Cardiovascular system

 Orthostatic hypotension
 Increased cardiac workload
 Thrombus formation (DVT)
Musculoskeletal system

 Osteoporosis
 Contractures
 Disuse atrophy (occurs at a rate of 3%/day in healthy people)
Genitourinary system

 Renal calculi (stones)

 Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Integumentary system

 Diminished healing capacity

 Decubitus ulcer formation
Psychosocial effects:

 Emotional & behavioral changes

 Sensory alterations
 Sleep disturbances
ASSESSMENT

 Joint problems
 Assess for stiffness, swelling, limitations,& inequality
Prevention of joint problems

 Range of motion exercises

 Ambulation: ASAP!!!
Assessment

 Respiratory problems
– Auscultate lung sounds
– Inspect color and viscosity of mucus
– Observe respiratory effort
Prevention of respiratory problems

 Cough and deep breathe

 Incentive spiromater
 Fluid intake
 Ambulate ASAP!
Assessment

 Cardiovascular problems
– Heart rate and quality of heart sounds
– Exercise tolerance
– Blood pressure: sitting and standing
– Calf circumference
– Homan’s sign
Prevention of cardiovascular problems

 Dangling
 Transfer to chair
 TED hose/Sequential stockings
 Leg exercises (ankle pumps, foot circles,etc.)
 Fluid intake
 Medication if ordered (Heparin/Coumadin)
 Ambulate ASAP!!!
Assessment

 Skin integrity
– Color (inflammation, pallor)
– Temperature (warmth, cold)
– Hydration
– Excoriation
– any break in integrity
Prevention of skin problems

 Turn or reposition FREQUENTLY

 Hydration (2000cc daily)
 Hygiene
 Circulation
 Diet: high protein, high calorie, high fiber
Prevention of Psychosocial Problems

 Listen well
 Respond to feelings
 Educate patient and family
 Limit noise & overstimulation
 Promote sleep and rest
 Allow choices and control