Step 5: Review Practice Exercise 24-1
Review the answers to the Practice Exercise and use this as a study tool when preparing for your quiz.
1. Describe a contracture. When a joint is held static in one position for a long period, the muscles attached to that joint become stiff and shortened in what is called a contracture. Contracture can lead to permanent loss of range of motion.
2. Why aren’t the terms “anti-embolism stockings” and “compression hosiery” interchangeable? Anti-embolism stockings are only meant to be used by bedridden patients with proper venous action and are not cleared for ambulatory patients.
3. Detail the steps for a spirometer. Sit up and hold the device. Place the mouthpiece spirometer in your mouth. Make sure you make a good seal over the mouthpiece with your lips. Breathe out normally. Breathe in SLOWLY (keeping the ball/disc in the middle of the chamber). Breathe in as deep as possible, then hold breath for at least 3-5 seconds before slowly exhaling. Repeat 10 times per hour.
4. Outline how to perform deep breathing exercises. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose, expanding your lower rib cage, and letting your abdomen move forward. Hold for a count of 3 to 5. Breathe out slowly and completely through pursed lips. Don’t force your breath out. Rest and repeat 10 times every hour you’re awake. Rest longer if you become dizzy or lightheaded.
5. Describe decubitus ulcers. Decubitus ulcers, also called pressure sores or bed sores, are open sores on the skin, and they can be very painful. Often, pressure ulcers start as an abrasion caused by prolonged friction between the skin and another surface like clothing, sheets, a bed or chair. Constant pressure or immobility causes pressure ulcers, and moisture or unsanitary conditions will exacerbate the problem.
6. Based on the information you’ve read so far, explain the importance of body positioning to patients. Patients who cannot reposition themselves will experience discomfort from being stuck in the same position. In addition, bedridden patients are vulnerable to serious health problems involving integumentary, musculoskeletal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Patients will suffer from bed sores, contractures and other serious health problems if the body is not repositioned every two hours.