A mobility protocol for critically ill adults.
Although the complications of immobility are well-described in the literature, critically ill patients are often subjected to prolonged periods of bed rest. Nurses, by virtue of their expertise in preventing iatrogenic complications, are in an ideal position to prevent the adverse outcomes associated with immobility. This article describes how nurses can use a mobility protocol to increase the activity of critically ill patients in a timely manner that may prevent the infirmity and suffering that is caused by unnecessarily long periods of bed rest.
Timmerman
Rosemary A
RA
Adult Critical Care Unit, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Anchorge, Alaska 99508, USA. rtimmerm@provak.org
D000328:Adult; D001510:Bed Rest / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D001513:Beds; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004434:Early Ambulation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D018579:Patient Selection; D011187:Posture; D012399:Rotation