Tag: Mobility Assessment

Discover the top 7 postural abnormalities. Learn how to effectively assess mobility. Find out the best assistive devices to enhance patient care and independence. Postural AbnormalitiesContracturesMuscle ImpairmentsMusculoskeletal TraumaCentral Nervous System (CNS) DamageMobility and Independence AssessmentAssistive Devices: Enhancing Patient Mobility1. Wheelchairs2. Crutches3. Walking Sticks/Canes4. Walking Frames/Walkers5. Gait Belt6. Mechanical Lift7. Slider Boards Postural Abnormalities Torticollis: Twisting of the neck, causing the head to rotate and tilt. Lordosis: Excessive inward curve of the lumbar spine; often called swayback. Kyphosis: Abnormally excessive convex curvature of the thoracic or sacral spine. Scoliosis: Abnormal lateral curve of the spine. Congenital Hip Dysplasia: Hip socket doesn’t fully support the ball of the joint. Knock-Knee (Genu Valgum): Knees tilt inward while ankles stay apart. Clubfoot: Foot turns inward or downward; a congenital condition. Foot Drop: Inability to lift the front part of the foot; caused by peroneal nerve injury. Pigeon Toes: Inward rotation of a child’s feet. Contractures Stiffness or constriction in connective tissues, limiting movement and causing deformities. Muscle Impairments Muscular Dystrophy: Muscle-wasting conditions leading to weakened skeletal muscles. Overuse Injuries: Result from repetitive demand on muscles, leading to conditions like tendinitis, strain, and bursitis. Musculoskeletal Trauma Fractures, Sprains, Strains, Contusions: Result from direct trauma affecting bones, joints, and muscles. Central Nervous System (CNS) Damage CNS and Mobility: CNS damage impairs muscle coordination, leading to mobility issues. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or total paralysis. Treatment Approaches Postural Abnormalities: Physical therapy, braces, surgery, and exercises. Contractures: Stretching, physical therapy, bracing, or surgery. Muscle Impairments: Physical therapy, rest, and sometimes surgery for overuse injuries. Musculoskeletal Trauma: Immobilization, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention. CNS Damage: Rehabilitation, assistive devices, and in some cases, surgery. Mobility and Independence Assessment Importance of Mobility: Essential for maintaining independent living. Limited mobility can severely affect Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Interventions aim to prevent immobility hazards, avoid dependent disabilities, and restore or keep mobility. Assessment of Patient Mobility Functional Mobility Level: Level 1: Can walk indefinitely, slight breathlessness after one flight of stairs. Level 2: Walks one city block or 500 ft, climbs one flight slowly. Level 3: Walks no more than 50 ft, can't climb a flight of stairs without stopping. Level 4: Experiences dyspnea and fatigue at rest. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): 0: Completely independent. 1: Requires equipment or device. 2: Needs help from another person (assistance, supervision, or teaching). 3: Needs help from another person and equipment or device. 4: Fully dependent, does not join in activity. Impairments to Mobility: Pain, paralysis, muscle weakness, systemic disease, immobilizing devices. Gait Assessment: Evaluate walking pattern to decide mobility and fall risk. Range of Motion (ROM): Assess joint movement to find physical problems. Skin Integrity: Check for signs of pressure ulcers, especially over bony prominences. Pathological Conditions: Detect bone disorders, joint impairments, muscle development issues, postural abnormalities, trauma, and neurological damage. Use of Assistive Devices: Notice effective use of devices that support mobility, prevent deformities, and improve function. Physiologic Adaptation: Watch for orthostatic hypotension, pallor, diaphoresis, nausea, tachycardia, and fatigue. Neurovascular Status: Check immobilized extremities initially every hour, then every 4 hours, to detect potential issues. Assistive Devices: Enhancing Patient Mobility Assistive devices are tools designed to help individuals with activities of daily living, particularly in improving mobility and independence. These devices can significantly enhance a person's ability to move. They allow performing tasks and maintaining independence. This is especially true for those with physical limitations. 1. Wheelchairs Definition: A wheelchair is a device providing wheeled mobility and seating support for those who have difficulty walking or moving. Types: Manual (user-propelled or pushed by another) and electric-powered. There are also advanced versions like those controlled by neural impulses. Use: Suitable for individuals who can't bear weight on their lower limbs. This product offers better support over long distances compared to walkers. 2. Crutches Function: Crutches increase the base of support, helping to transfer weight from the legs to the upper body. Types of Crutches: Axillary Crutches: Placed under the armpits with hand grips; typically used for short-term injuries. Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches: Includes a cuff and handgrip, more suitable for long-term use. Gutter Crutches: Feature padded forearm supports, often used by those with partial weight-bearing restrictions like rheumatoid arthritis. 3. Walking Sticks/Canes Function: Canes offer support by transmitting weight from the legs to the upper body. They reduce pain. They improve balance. They enhance stability. Types: White Canes: Often used by visually impaired individuals. Quad Canes: Feature a wider base for extra stability. Forearm Canes: Give extra support with forearm bracing. 4. Walking Frames/Walkers Definition: Walkers are metal frameworks with four legs, providing a wider base of support than canes. Types: Include standard walkers, rollators (with wheels), knee walkers, and walker-cane hybrids. Use: Ideal for individuals with poor balance or limited arm strength, offering enhanced stability. 5. Gait Belt Definition: A gait belt is a 2-inch-wide belt used to secure a grip on unstable patients, providing stability during transfers. Use: Placed around the patient’s waist over clothing. It is used in one-person or two-person pivot transfers. It can also be used with a slider board. 6. Mechanical Lift Definition: A hydraulic lift is often ceiling-mounted. It is used for patients who can't bear weight. It is also for those who are unpredictable or have medical conditions preventing them from assisting in movement. Use: Essential for moving patients safely from one position to another without strain. 7. Slider Boards Definition: A slider board (transfer board) assists in transferring an immobile patient from one surface to another while lying down. Use: Ideal for patients who can't use their legs or when a standing transfer is unsafe. COURSES GNM BSC NURSING