A nurse and an assistant are preparing to get a patient out of bed for the first time after a week of bed rest. They begin by having the patient dangle on the edge of the bed. The nurse should:
A) allow the patient to dangle for 10 to 15 minutes and then transfer her to a nearby chair.
B) perform passive range of motion exercises on the patient's arms and legs while she is dangling to improve circulation.
C) assess the patient's response to the changed position, looking for orthostatic hypotension, nausea, or dizziness before proceeding.
D) dangle the patient only momentarily and then assist her to ambulate as far as she is able.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient who has been immobilized for any length of time may feel dizzy or experience a drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing for the first time. Therefore, the nurse must assess the patient carefully to determine whether transfer to a chair, ambulation, or return to bed is indicated.

A Nurse and an Assistant Are Preparing to Get a Patient