Nursing Considerations for Recumbent Patients

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of bowel care in the described content?

Prevent constipation (correct)

Enhance nutrient absorption

Facilitate regular urination

Prevent dehydration

Which of the following is NOT recommended for maintaining skin integrity according to the content provided?

Using non-absorbent bedding (correct)

Using absorbent bedding

Applying barrier cream

Keeping fur/skin dry and clean

What is a key benefit of performing Passive Range-of-Motion (PROM) exercises?

Prevents soft tissue & joint contracture (correct)

Stimulates pain response

Promotes muscle wasting

Increases muscle weight

Which product is recommended as a stool softener/laxative?

PEG 3350 Signup and view all the answers

What care technique should be avoided to prevent skin scalding when grooming?

Clipping fur too short Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary nursing concern for a recumbent patient to help prevent decubitus ulcers?

Providing adequate padding and positioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common complication associated with recumbent patients?

Increased muscle strength Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using Passive Range Of Motion (PROM) techniques in recumbent patients?

To maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness Signup and view all the answers

Which physiotherapy modality could be beneficial for managing discomfort in a recumbent patient?

Heat therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of bowel care strategies for recumbent patients?

Promoting regular hydration and fiber intake Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions contributes most to patient comfort when caring for a recumbent animal?

Providing a quiet environment with suitable bedding Signup and view all the answers

What is a key nursing intervention for caring for the mouth and airway of a recumbent patient?

Maintaining regular oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

In caring for a recumbent patient, which of the following strategies is most effective for skin care management?

Keeping fluid and catheter lines clean and maintaining hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using appropriate bedding in the prevention of pressure sores?

To alleviate continuous pressure on bony prominences Signup and view all the answers

Which method is least effective in managing small ulcers?

Performing surgical intervention Signup and view all the answers

What role does good hygiene play in the prevention of pressure sores?

It prevents the buildup of organic debris that can lead to infection. Signup and view all the answers

How does positioning influence the prevention of gastrointestinal issues in recumbent patients?

Proper positioning assists in enhancing GI motility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an essential action during the care of an intravenous catheter for a recumbent patient?

Visualize and palpate the skin and insertion site regularly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about pain management in patients who are recumbent?

Pain medications should not be administered unless the patient is in severe pain. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is beneficial for maintaining patient comfort while preventing pressure sores?

Encouraging frequent repositioning and use of padding. Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary approach may positively influence recovery for recumbent patients?

Increasing overall activity to enhance gastrointestinal motility. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Recumbent Patient Nursing Considerations

A recumbent patient is one unable to stand.
Recumbent patients can be any age, breed or species with various conditions, including geriatric, respiratory, traumatic, musculoskeletal, metabolic disease, toxicity, neurological causes or being in a coma.
The duration of recumbency varies greatly depending on the patient's medical condition.
Recumbent patients are at risk for complications such as impaired ventilation and perfusion (low oxygen levels), vomiting/regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia, reduced gut motility, pressure sores (decubitus ulcers), and infections.

Preventing Complications

Proper bedding and positioning are crucial to prevent pressure sores.
Prevent pressure sores by using padding and blankets, pillows, or donut pillows, removing harnesses, and frequent turning/repositioning.
Maintaining good hygiene to stop the risk of infection is vital.
Daily light cycles and owners' visits provide comfort.
Shaving the perineum and daily sponge baths keep the area clean to avoid infections or ulcers.

Nursing Concerns

Bedding and Comfort: Reduce circulation risk, pressure sore risk in the affected areas and muscle or nerve damage issues. Provide a suitable sized space, hide boxes/covers and let recumbent patients watch videos.
Pain Meds: Keep the patient comfortable and prevent pain, but don't sedate too much.
IV and IV Catheter Care: Monitor for patency, infection (phlebitis), dehydration, and swelling. Change bandages if needed.
Nutrition: Increase activity to improve GI motility and avoid issues with ileus, stomach acid pooling, regurgitation, or aspiration pneumonia.
Eye Care: Regularly lubricate eyes and frequently consult a vet if needed.
Posture & Positioning: Routinely change positions every 4 hours (or as needed) to aid in ventilation and perfusion, preventing atelectasis, reducing breathing work, and hypoxia issues, especially in obese patients.
Mouth/Airway Care: Keep the tongue inside the mouth, moisturize lips/tongue. If intubated, humidify, and do sterile suctioning/repositioning.
Bladder Care: Monitor bladder size, output, and character closely and keep fur/skin dry to avoid urinary/fecal scalding.
Bowel Care: Prevent constipation with stool softeners, laxatives, enema, warm water with lube and use appropriate absorbent/easy-to-clean bedding.
PROM/Physiotherapy: Passive Range of Motion exercises maintain joint health and decrease joint contractures and muscle wasting. This improves circulation.
Cold Therapy: Decreases pain, inflammation, and swelling, ideal for acute pain and edema relief.
Heat Therapy: Promotes muscle relaxation (use after the acute swelling phase) and pain relief.

Treatment

Small Ulcers: Use astringents, calamine lotion, Burrow solution, zinc oxide, and antiseptics.
Large Ulcers: Possible surgical treatment. Provide topical/systemic antibiotics and pain meds
General Notes: Be mindful of a patient's comfort, and don't forget TLC. Allow patients to groom and sleep.

Recumbent Patient Quiz Answers

Recumbent patients are at risk for pressure sore ulcers, oral ulcers, corneal ulcers, and atelectasis. All of the above.
Passive range-of-motion exercises are important for maintaining mobility in all patients, not just musculoskeletal cases. (False)
A patient on mechanical ventilation should not have their ET tube changed routinely. (D)
Thorough pain assessment and control is absolutely vital to a recumbent patient's care. (True)

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Description

This quiz covers essential nursing considerations for recumbent patients who are unable to stand due to various medical conditions. It explores the risks they face, such as pressure sores and infections, and outlines strategies for preventing complications through proper care and positioning. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective nursing practice.