CNA > Mobility and Restorative Care > Flashcards

Mobility and Restorative Care Flashcards

Encourage patient mobility and restorative care to combat the risks of immobility (49 cards)

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1
Q

What is the goal of restorative care?

A

To help a person regain and maintain independence.

The goal of restorative care is to help a person regain and maintain independence.

CNA Insight: This is the “use it or lose it” part of your job. Your goal is to help the resident do as much as they can for themselves, not to do everything for them.

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2
Q

Which healthcare law requires facilities to provide restorative care?

A

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act

(OBRA)

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) requires facilities to provide restorative care. This law ensures that residents have the right to be as independent as possible. Your documentation of their progress is vital for the facility to follow this law.

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3
Q

List THREE effects of immobility.

A
  1. Muscle atrophy
  2. Pressure ulcers
  3. Pneumonia

Prolonged immobility can lead to serious complications.

Immobility can also affect emotional well-being, leading to issues such as depression.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank:

Lack of activity can lead to _____, a condition where muscles shrink and weaken.

A

atrophy

Lack of activity can lead to atrophy (also called muscle wasting).

CNA Insight: Atrophy can happen quickly. If a resident is in bed for just a few days, their muscles will shrink. Encourage them to move their arms and legs often.

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5
Q

Define:

Range of Motion

(ROM)

A

The extent to which a joint can move freely.

ROM exercises prevent stiffness and maintain mobility.

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6
Q

Define:

Passive Range of Motion

(PROM)

A

Exercises performed by a caregiver for a patient.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises are performed by a caregiver for a patient. This is for residents who cannot move their own limbs.

You must support the limb above and below the joint and move it slowly and gently.

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7
Q

Which type of ROM exercise allows the patient to move joints independently?

A

Active Range of Motion

(AROM)

Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises allow the patient to move joints independently.

CNA Insight: Encourage the resident to do these exercises on their own. This is the best way to keep their muscles strong.

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8
Q

How should range-of-motion exercises be performed?

A

Slowly and gently, stopping at signs of pain.

Sudden movements can cause injury.

Pain may indicate injury or strain.

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9
Q

How should a patient be positioned before standing up?

A

Sitting on the edge of the bed with feet flat on the floor.

This prevents dizziness and promotes balance.

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10
Q

Define:

Body Mechanics

A

The proper use of body movements to prevent injury.

Body mechanics is the proper use of body movements to prevent injury.

CNA Insight: Never twist your body while lifting. If the object or resident is too heavy, you must ask for help from another caregiver.

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11
Q

How should a caregiver lift an object safely?

A
  • Bend at the knees
  • Keep the back straight
  • Lift with the legs

Proper lifting technique reduces strain and prevents injury.

CNA Insight: Always keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and lift with your legs, not your back.

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12
Q

Why should patients change positions frequently?

A
  1. Prevent pressure ulcers
  2. Improve circulation

Repositioning reduces the risk of complications from immobility.

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13
Q

What is the correct way to transfer a patient from bed to wheelchair?

A
  1. Use a transfer belt
  2. Lock the wheelchair
  3. Ensure proper footing

The correct way is to use a transfer belt, lock the wheelchair, and ensure proper footing.

CNA Insight: The transfer belt is your safety handle. You must lock the wheels of the bed and the wheelchair before starting the transfer. Finally, the resident must be wearing non-skid shoes or gripper socks to prevent slips and falls. These three steps are non-negotiable for a safe transfer.

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14
Q

How should a wheelchair be positioned for a transfer?

A

At a 45-degree angle to the bed.

This positioning allows for an easier and safer transfer.

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15
Q

What should a caregiver do if a patient begins to fall?

A

Ease them to the floor while protecting their head.

If a patient begins to fall, you should ease them to the floor while protecting their head.

CNA Insight: Never try to stop the fall, as you will injure yourself and the resident. Your job is to break their fall gently and protect their head from hitting the floor.

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16
Q

How does mobility impact bowel and bladder function?

A

Movement stimulates digestion and prevents constipation.

Lack of mobility increases the risk of urinary retention and constipation.

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17
Q

List TWO signs that a patient may need more mobility support.

A
  1. Increased weakness
  2. Difficulty standing

Observing changes helps caregivers adjust support as needed.

Other signs include increased fatigue and difficulty walking.

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18
Q

List TWO benefits of using assistive devices.

A
  1. Improves stability
  2. Promotes independence

Devices like walkers and canes help maintain mobility.

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19
Q

True or False:

A cane should be held on the weak side of the body.

A

False

The cane should be held on the strong side of the body. The strong side supports the cane, and the cane helps support the weak leg.

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20
Q

Fill in the blank:

A _____ is used for people who need support on both sides while walking.

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A

walker

Walkers provide stability and reduce fall risks.

21
Q

How should a walker be adjusted for proper fit?

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A

The top of the walker should be level with the hip bone.

Proper height ensures safe and effective use.

The walker should be positioned about 6–8 inches ahead of the toes to maintain balance and stability while walking.

22
Q

What should caregivers monitor when a patient uses crutches?

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A

Proper weight distribution and technique.

Incorrect use can cause strain and falls.

They should also ensure crutch tips are not worn or damaged to prevent falls.

23
Q

True or False:

Crutches should be placed under the armpits for support.

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A

False

Crutches should rest against the sides, not the armpits, to prevent nerve damage.

24
Q

What is the purpose of a gait belt?

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A

It provides secure support around the patient’s waist, facilitating a safer transfer without lifting the patient unnecessarily.

A gait belt provides secure support around the patient’s waist, facilitating a safer transfer without lifting the patient unnecessarily.

CNA Insight: The gait belt is your safety tool. You hold the belt from the back or along the sides to steady the resident and prevent a fall.

25
# Define: Ambulatory
The ability to **walk independently**. ## Footnote Ambulatory means the ability to walk independently. **CNA Insight**: Before assisting a resident with walking, you must check the Plan of Care. It will tell you if the resident is fully ambulatory, needs assistance, or can only walk to tolerance (until they get tired). Never assume they can walk alone. Walking is the best exercise, but only if it is done safely.
26
What should a caregiver check before **helping a patient walk**?
That the patient is wearing **non-skid footwear**. ## Footnote Proper footwear prevents slips and falls.
27
List TWO benefits of walking **for older adults**.
1. Strengthens muscles 2. Improves circulation ## Footnote Walking also reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
28
# Fill in the blank: Patients should be encouraged to walk **at least** \_\_\_\_\_\_ **times per day if able**.
two to three ## Footnote Frequent walking prevents complications of immobility.
29
What should a caregiver do if a patient **refuses to walk**?
Encourage and **explain benefits**, but respect their decision. ## Footnote Patient cooperation is essential for successful mobility care.
30
What is the best way to assist a patient **with Parkinson’s disease** in walking?
* Encourage slow and deliberate steps. * Provide a stable assistive device. ## Footnote The best way is to encourage slow and deliberate steps and provide a stable assistive device. Residents with Parkinson's often have a shuffling gait. Encourage them to lift their feet and take large, slow steps to prevent falls.
31
# Define: Contracture
The **permanent tightening** of muscles, tendons, or joints. ## Footnote A contracture is the permanent tightening of muscles, tendons, or joints. This is a serious complication of immobility. Once a joint has a contracture, it is very hard to fix. Your gentle Range of Motion (ROM) exercises are the best way to prevent this.
32
# Define: Foot Drop
A condition where the foot **cannot be lifted properly**. ## Footnote Can be prevented with positioning devices and exercises.
33
What is a major complication of **prolonged wheelchair use**?
Pressure ulcers ## Footnote A major complication of prolonged wheelchair use is pressure ulcers. **CNA Insight**: The pressure on the tailbone and hips can cause skin breakdown. You must ensure the resident is repositioned every hour while in the wheelchair.
34
Why should a patient be encouraged to **dangle their legs** before standing?
To prevent **dizziness and falls**. ## Footnote Dangling allows the blood pressure to adjust to the change in position. If the resident gets dizzy while dangling or standing, have them lie back down and notify the nurse immediately.
35
How can caregivers encourage movement **in bedridden patients**?
* Perform ROM exercises * Encourage small movements ## Footnote Maintaining joint flexibility prevents stiffness and contractures.
36
# True or False: Resistance exercises can help **maintain muscle strength** in bedridden patients.
True ## Footnote Light resistance training prevents muscle atrophy.
37
Why should caregivers encourage **ankle pumps** for immobile patients?
* To improve circulation * To prevent blood clots ## Footnote Ankle pumps are simple movements where the resident points their toes up and down. This is vital for preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous blood clot.
38
Why is it important to **document mobility progress**?
To track improvements and **adjust care plans**. ## Footnote It is important to document mobility progress to track improvements and adjust care plans. **CNA Insight**: If the resident is getting stronger, the nurse can change the care plan to allow them to do more for themselves, which is the goal of restorative care.
39
How can caregivers assist patients who **struggle with mobility tasks**?
Offer **encouragement** and assist only as needed. ## Footnote Supporting but not over-assisting fosters independence.
40
Why is **hydration** important for mobility?
1. Prevents dizziness 2. Maintains muscle function ## Footnote Dehydration can lead to weakness and fatigue.
41
How can **music or conversation** help with mobility exercises?
It provides **distraction** and motivation. ## Footnote Talking about their favorite things or playing music can make the exercise feel less like work and more like a fun activity.
42
Why should caregivers **observe a patient’s posture** while sitting?
**To prevent**: 1. Spinal strain 2. Pressure ulcers ## Footnote Ensure the resident is sitting straight up and not slouching. Slouching puts pressure on the tailbone and can cause skin breakdown.
43
How should a caregiver assist a **visually impaired patient** with mobility?
Use **verbal cues** and offer an **arm for guidance**. ## Footnote Use verbal cues and offer an arm for guidance. **CNA Insight**: Walk slightly ahead of them and let them hold your arm. Describe the environment, such as "We are coming to a step down now."
44
Why is **stretching** important for mobility?
It helps **maintain flexibility** and prevents stiffness. ## Footnote Stretching reduces the risk of injury and contractures.
45
How can **resistance bands** be used in mobility exercises?
1. To strengthen muscles 2. To improve endurance ## Footnote Light resistance training benefits mobility and strength.
46
What role does **core strength** play in mobility?
It helps maintain **balance and posture**. ## Footnote A strong core reduces fall risk and supports movement.
47
What should be monitored when a patient uses **parallel bars** for therapy?
1. Proper posture 2. Controlled movements ## Footnote Most commonly used during physical therapy, parallel bars are a safe place to practice walking. Ensure the resident is dressed and wearing non-skid shoes before being transported to the physical therapy department.
48
How can a **tilt table** be used in mobility training?
It gradually helps patients **adjust to standing positions**. ## Footnote A tilt table gradually helps patients adjust to standing positions. **CNA Insight**: This is for residents who have been in bed for a long time. The table slowly moves them from lying down to standing up, which helps their body get used to the upright position.
49
Why is **weight-bearing** important in mobility therapy?
It helps maintain **bone density** and strength. ## Footnote When a resident puts weight on their legs, it tells the bones to stay strong. Encourage them to stand up and bear weight as much as the care plan allows.
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