Mobility and comfort

Body mechanics, positioning, transfers, walking aids, the complications of immobility and hygiene.

8 pages

Procedure

• Bed bath, oral care and hygiene of the dependent patientA bed bath and oral care clean, comfort and let you check the skin; a clean mouth also prevents…
• Heat and cold applications, and hypothermia and hyperthermia blanketsHeat widens blood vessels and cold narrows them; both ease pain or swelling when applied…
• Mechanical prevention of venous thromboembolism: stockings and intermittent compressionCompression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices help keep blood in the legs…
• Transfers: bed to chair, bed to stretcher and mechanical liftsMost injuries to patients and staff happen during transfers: plan them, use the right equipment…
• Walking aids: canes, crutches and walkersA well-fitted, well-used cane, crutch or walker gives support and prevents falls; a badly fitted…

Fundamental

• Body mechanics and safe patient handlingGood posture helps, but what protects nurses and patients most is not lifting by hand and using…
• Complications of immobility and how to prevent themStaying in bed affects almost every body system; mobilising early and safely is the best…

Safe practice

• Patient positions: Fowler, supine, lateral, prone and othersEvery position in bed has a reason: breathing better, eating without aspiration, relieving…

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← Nursing: fundamentals and procedures

Educational content for students; it does not replace your institution's protocols, supervised clinical training or a prescriber's order. Dose-calculation examples use made-up numbers: they are educational, not a clinical order.

Representative model, for educational purposes only.