title: A multidisciplinary approach to early mobilization of patients with burns.
abstract: Mobilizing patients with burns can be challenging due to their unique characteristics. Many times, common practice is to elevate and immobilize the burned extremity after debridement and grafting. On the contrary, mobility is imperative for patients with burns, as patients can lose function and flexibility quickly. The objective of this article was to review the current evidence related to early ambulation in patients with burns as well as barriers to mobilization within a burn intensive care unit. It also provides a demonstration of how a nurse at the bedside in collaboration with a physical therapist can implement these interventions and assist with early ambulation in patients with burns.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Burn Intensive Care Unit, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. salouise@med.umich.edu
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manning
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quarles
mesh_terms: D002053:Burn Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D064648:Critical Care Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004434:Early Ambulation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*