Assisting Patients With Mobility

Excerpt

Patient mobility is an important aspect of patient care, particularly in the setting of major surgery or severe chronic illnesses that require prolonged immobilization in bed. Deep venous thrombosis, pressure ulcers, muscular atrophy, pulmonary embolism, and bone demineralization are potential complications of inadequate immobilization, and active intervention is necessary to optimize patient outcomes. Protocols regarding mobility tend to vary based on facility and patient deficits, but typically involve a multi-disciplinary approach by physical therapists, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers.