Mobility Impairment (Adult Inpatient)
Clinical Description
- Care of the hospitalized patient experiencing limitation in ability to independently and safely move self from one position or place to another.
Key Information
- Mobility impairment may hinder the patient’s ability to perform daily activities and may lead to negative health outcomes and the need for greater physical assistance.
Clinical Goals
By transition of care
A. The patient will achieve the following goals:
B. Patient, family or significant other will teach back or demonstrate education topics and points:
- Education: Overview
- Education: Self-Management
- Education: When to Seek Medical Attention
Mobility Impairment
Signs/Symptoms/Presentation
- difficulty with transfers
- motor skill limitation
- muscle strength decreased
- range of motion limitation
- reluctance to attempt mobility
- requires assistance with ambulation
- shortness of breath during or after activity
- unable to reposition self independently
Problem Intervention
Optimize Mobility
- Assess mobility skills (e.g., bed, transfers, ambulation, gait, stair climbing, wheelchair) and factors influencing mobility, such as balance, safety, range of motion, strength, muscle tone, cognition and sensory processing.
- Instruct in transfer and mobility techniques supporting highest level of independence while ensuring safety.
- Consider any contraindications or precautions to individualize treatment plan (e.g., joint or ligament instability, weightbearing restrictions).
- Encourage early mobilization and performance of daily activities, if able, while providing level of assistance needed for safety.
- Schedule mobility activities when pain and fatigue are at a minimum to encourage optimal performance.
- Pace activity; allow adequate time and rest periods to conserve energy.
- Provide frequent encouragement, along with prompting and assistance as needed.
- Individualize instructions and prompts to patient’s cognitive status to promote effective communication; simplify verbal directions, give encouragement and provide demonstrated cues as needed.
- Design and implement therapeutic interventions to address impairments (e.g., functional mobility training, mat and standing balance activities, strengthening).
- Train in and reinforce use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices, such as a walker or transfer board.
- Utilize appropriate modalities, devices or techniques to facilitate mobility (e.g., ankle foot orthosis, electrical stimulation, sit-to-stand lift, treadmill-training).
- Assess fall risk using standardized tool; implement appropriate interventions, such as behavioral or environmental modifications.
- Use proper body mechanics and patient alignment during mobility to ensure safety.
- Activity Management
- Assistive Device Utilized
- Positioning/Transfer Devices
Education
Overview
risk factors
signs/symptoms
When to Seek Medical Attention
General Education
admission, transition of care
orientation to care setting, routine
advance care planning
diagnostic tests/procedures
diet modification
opioid medication management
oral health
medication management
pain assessment process
safe medication disposal
tobacco use, smoke exposure
treatment plan
References
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Disclaimer
Clinical Practice Guidelines represent a consistent/standardized approach to the care of patients with specific diagnoses. Care should always be individualized by adding patient specific information to the Plan of Care.