Effects of Immobility on Body Systems

Overview

This lecture covers the effects of immobility on body systems, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and key nursing care interventions for immobile patients.

Respiratory: Decreased lung expansion and increased risk for atelectasis.
Cardiovascular: Increased risk of blood clots, especially DVT.
Musculoskeletal: Muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, raising fracture risk.
Gastrointestinal: Decreased GI motility leading to constipation.
Renal: Risk for kidney stones (from calcium release) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to urinary stasis.
Integumentary: Increased risk for pressure injuries due to prolonged immobility.

Immobility reduces patients' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).
ADLs include self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Instrumental ADLs (IADLs) involve household management tasks like meal planning and budgeting.
Patients should participate in self-care as much as possible to preserve dignity and function.

DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the calf or thigh.
Key signs: redness (erythema), swelling (edema), pain at the site, and sometimes a positive Homans' sign (pain when dorsiflexing the foot).
Never massage the affected area or place pillows directly under the knee.
Use leg elevation (without direct knee pressure) and warm, moist compresses for symptom relief.
DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs; report sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or decreased oxygen saturation immediately.

Encourage coughing, deep breathing, and use of incentive spirometry to prevent respiratory complications.
Use TED hose or sequential compression devices (SCDs) to promote venous return and prevent DVT.
Administer anticoagulants (e.g., enoxaparin/Lovenox) as prescribed to prevent clot formation.
Reposition patients every two hours to prevent pressure injuries.
Promote range of motion exercises to maintain mobility.
Encourage increased fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation and urinary stasis.
Facilitate movement and refer to physical or occupational therapy as needed.

Immobility — Inability to move freely, leading to systemic complications.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — Basic self-care tasks (bathing, dressing, etc.).
Instrumental ADLs (IADLs) — Tasks required to live independently (meal prep, budgeting).
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — Clot formation in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
Pulmonary Embolism — A blockage in the lungs' arteries due to a clot traveling from elsewhere.

Review the detailed tables for system-specific effects on the referenced flashcard.
Observe patients directly to assess their ADL performance.
Prepare for next lecture on mobility devices (canes, walkers, crutches).