Impaired Physical Mobility Care Plan and Nursing Diagnosis Writing Help
Impaired physical mobility refers to the limitation in the independent, purposeful physical movement of the body or one or more extremities. Impairment of physical mobility can either be temporary, recurring, or permanent. When this happens, it becomes a complicated health care issue that involves various members of the health care professions.
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Impaired physical mobility can be caused by aging and medical conditions like stroke and physical injuries that may cause leg fractures to hinder free movement. Other causes are multiple sclerosis, morbid obesity, and trauma. As one age, there is a decrease in muscle functioning, loss of muscle mass, reduction in muscle strength, and gait changes affect body balance while the stiffer and limited mobile joints significantly jeopardize the mobility of a patient.
Mobility is essential especially when an individual is seeking to maintain independent living. The limitation in movement affects the performance of several ADLs. And since the human body is designed for motion, any restriction on movement will significantly take a toll on every major anatomic system which results in Impaired Physical Mobility.
Impaired Physical Mobility Care Plan Diagnosis
Different reasons may hinder the ability to move independently. However, a caregiver should look for defining signs and symptoms to determine whether a patient has impaired physical mobility. The following are some of the factors to look out for:
- The inability for purposeful movement within a physical environment. This may include bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation.
- Limited range of motion
- Inability to perform actions as per the instructions
- Unwillingness to attempt movement
Any patient with impaired physical movement will be unwilling to attempt any movements.
Goals and Outcomes
A care plan goals and outcomes of interventions are aimed at preventing the hazards of immobility, prevent dependent disability, and more importantly, help the patient in restoring and (or) maintaining mobility and functional independence as much possible. Here are some of the goals that a care plan for impaired physical mobility should have:
- The patient regains the ability to perform physical activity or movement independently or within the limits of the illness.
- The patient shows interest to increase mobility
- The patient demonstrates the ability to use increased movement with the utilization of adaptive devices
- The patient uses safety measures to reduce the potential for injury
- The patient is free from potential complications of mobility which is evidenced by intact skin and absence of thrombophlebitis, clear breath sounds, and normal bowel pattern.
- Patient shows ability to evaluate pain and quality of management
Care Plan Patient Assessment
Impaired physical mobility represents a complex health care problem that requires the attention of different experts in the healthcare team. As such, on-going assessment is important to identify potential issues that may have led to impaired physical mobility.
- Check the functional level of mobility: Functional mobility should be on a scale of 1 – walking at regular pace and ground level with one flight of stairs or more causing shortness of breath to 4 – Dyspnea and fatigue when at rest. Understanding this level will help in adjusting the care plan to accommodate techniques that permit the best management plan for your patient. Your patient’s independent physical mobility can be determined on a scale of 0-4. 0 shows the patient is independent and 4 the patient is completely dependent without participating in any activity.
- Assess impediments to mobility: Identify barriers to independent movement such as chronic arthritis, swollen and painful joints, which will help design an optimal treatment plan.
- Assess strength to perform a range of motion on all joints: Strength assessment provides helpful data on the extent of the physical problems and thereafter determines the right therapy. A therapy test by a physiotherapist may be required.
- Monitor nutritional requirements concerning immobility: A balanced diet provides the much-needed energy for participating in an exercise or rehabilitative exercises.
- Evaluate input and output record and nutritional pattern: Pressure ulcers tend to come up quickly in patients with nutritional inadequacy.
- Evaluate the safety of the environment: Blockages such as throw rugs, pets, and children’s toys can control and limit one’s ability to ambulate harmlessly.
- Consider the need for home care assistance: Getting appropriate support or help for the patient at home can ensure a safe and proper progression of activity.
Nursing Intervention and Rationales for Impaired Physical Mobility
Interventions of impaired physical mobility involve the prevention of dependent disabilities, restoring mobility where possible, and preserving the existing mobility. Special patient care which includes changing position, nutrition, exercises, and providing a safe environment can go a long way in preventing, restoring, and maintaining physical mobility. Let’s look at some of the nursing care plan interventions for impaired physical mobility.
- Help patient for muscle exercises when able or allowed out of bed, execute abdominal-tightening exercise and knee bends, stand on toes: These interventions enhance a sense of balance as well as strengthens compensatory body parts.
- Provide the patient with a safe environment such as bed rails up, bed in the down position, and important items closer: These measures promote not only safe but also a secure environment to minimize the risk of falls.
- Execute passive or active assistive ROM exercise to all extremities: The exercises will enhance increased venous return, maintain muscle strength, keep away stiffness, and strengthen stamina.
- Promote and facilitate timely ambulation when possible: These movements will keep the patient as functionally working as possible.
- Show the use of mobility devices such as crutches, walkers, and trapeze: These devices help in compensating for impaired function while enhancing the level of activity.
- Allow the patient to accomplish tasks at his or her own pace while encouraging independent activity as able and safe.
- For those patients who might be unwilling to move or initiate new activities, always give positive reinforcement during activity. This will boost the patient’s chances of recovering thereby increasing his or her self-esteem.
Conclusion
Crafting a competent impaired physical mobility care plan requires time and effort. Should you find constrained to write your own impaired physical mobility care plan as an assignment or for professional use, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We provide outstanding nursing care plan writing services that will ensure you get the best outcomes.
