Mobility and Immobility Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Lecturer: Miss Liebert
• Subject: Mobility and Immobility for Level One
• Contact: 504-319-8797

Lecture Overview

• First Hour: Activities and Performance
• Second Hour: Factors of Immobility and Effects on Patients

Mobility

• Definition: Purposeful physical movement including:
  • Gross simple movements (e.g., walking)
  • Fine complex movements (e.g., finger joints)
  • Requires coordination

Exercise and Activity

• Activity: Routine of exercise, leisure, recreation, ADLs
• Physical Activity vs. Exercise:
  • Physical activity: Any bodily movement
  • Exercise: Planned, structured physical activity

Types of Exercises

1. Isotonic: Running, walking, swimming

   • Muscle contraction and muscle length change
   • Strengthens muscles, enhances circulation
   • Osteoblastic activity: Prevents osteoporosis

2. Isometric: Kegel exercises

   • Muscle contracts without moving joints
   • Increases muscle tone, strength, decreases muscle waste

3. Isokinetic: Resistive exercises

   • Contraction with resistance (e.g., pushing against the wall)

4. Aerobic: Requires equal or more oxygen than the body needs

   • Improves cardiovascular fitness
   • Increases blood flow

Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises

• Active ROM: Patient moves joints independently
• Passive ROM: Nurse assists with joint movement
• Active Assistive ROM: Patient moves with some help

Special Considerations

• Warm-up and cool-down exercises
• Proper attire and hydration
• Caution with pain, pressure, dizziness

Benefits of Physical Activity

• Reduces blood pressure, heart rate
• Improves cholesterol, joint flexibility
• Enhances mental health, decreases anxiety, depression

Immobility

• Definition: Inability to move freely
• Causes:
  • Severe pain, musculoskeletal issues
  • Generalized weakness, psychosocial problems

Effects of Immobility

1. Musculoskeletal Changes:

   • Decreased muscle mass and strength
   • Osteoporosis
   • Joint contractures and foot drop

2. Respiratory Changes:

   • Decreased lung expansion and ventilation
   • Risk of pneumonia and atelectasis

3. Cardiovascular Changes:

   • Reduced cardiac output
   • Risk of orthostatic hypotension
   • Venous stasis

4. Metabolic Changes:

   • Altered metabolic rate
   • Risk of kidney stones

5. Elimination Issues:

   • Urinary stasis
   • Constipation and fecal impaction

6. Psychological Effects:

   • Depression and anxiety
   • Changes in sleep patterns

Nursing Interventions

• Encourage mobility as soon as possible
• Implement ROM exercises
• Monitor for changes in physical and mental health
• Educate about benefits of mobility

Exemplars

• Sprains and Strains:

  • Sprain: Injury to a ligament
  • Strain: Damage to muscle fibers
  • Treatment: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

• Osteoarthritis:

  • Pathology: Cartilage wear and tear
  • Risk Factors: Age, repetitive stress, obesity
  • Management: Weight management, exercises, potential surgery

Summary

• Importance of understanding and promoting mobility to prevent complications
• Comprehensive care involves physical, metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological aspects

Note: For further information, refer to the provided reading materials and chapter references. Always consult with healthcare professionals before starting or altering any exercise regimen.