Exercise, Ambulation

Nursing 125
Mobility
Mobility refers to a person’s ability to move about freely.
Immobility refers to a person’s inability to move about freely.

Mobility & immobility are the endpoints of a continuum with

many degrees of partial immobility in between.

mobility immobility

Some clients move back and forth, some clients remain absolute.
Ambulation
Clients who have been immobile even for a short time may
require assistance

A client may require the use of an assistive device to aid in

ambulation.

Assistive devices
• Increase stability
• Support a weak extremity
• Reduce the load on weight bearing structures; hip, knees
Nursing Measures
Attempt to maintain and/or restore optimal mobility as well as to
decrease the hazards assoc. with immobility.

• Muscle & joint exercises

• Frequent repositioning – q 2 hrs

• fluid intake/fiber intake

Guidelines:
• Check activity order
• Know client’s past medical history & limitations
• Baseline vital signs are necessary
• Become familiar with assistive devices
Types of ROM exercises
Active – exercises the client is able to perform
independently.

Passive – exercises performed for the client by

someone else.

Active assisted – performed by a client with some

assistance – client can move a limb partially through
its ROM, but needs help completing the ROM.
Two Purposes of ROM
Maintain joint function

Restore joint function

Do not exercise joints beyond the

point of resistance or to the point
of fatigue or pain
Hip
Flexion – move leg forward(ROM 90-120 deg)
Hip
Extension – move leg back beside other leg
Hyperextension – move leg backwards (ROM 30-50
deg)
Abduction – move leg laterally away from body (ROM
30-50 deg)
Adduction – move leg back to medial position &
beyond if possible (ROM 30-50 deg)

Flexion – bring heel toward back of thigh (120-130

Knee deg)
Extension – return leg to floor
Ankle
Dorsiflexion – move foot so toes are pointed upward
Ankle
Plantarflexion – move foot so toes are pointed downward

Inversion – turn sole of foot medially (ROM 10 deg)

Foot
Eversion – turn sole of foot laterally (ROM 10 deg)
Flexion – curl toes downward (ROM 30-60 deg)
Extension – straighten toes (ROM 30-60 deg)
Abduction – spread toes apart
Adduction – bring toes together
Applying Antiembolism Stockings (Elastic)
P&P p. 842

Thromobophlebitis – the development of a thrombus or clot

along with the inflammation of the vein & may be classified
as superficial or deep.

Three elements contribute to the development of a clot.

Benefits of Proper Positioning
Maintains body alignment & comfort

Prevents injury to musculoskeletal system, prevents

strain

Provides sensory, motor & cognitive stimulation

Prevents pressure sore (decubitus ulcer) & joint

contractures