The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. Which action will the nurse take first?
A) Maintain a narrow base of support.
B) Dangle the patient at the bedside.
C) Encourage isometric exercises.
D) Suggest a high-calcium diet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To prevent injury, nurses implement interventions that reduce or eliminate the effects of orthostatic hypotension. Mobilize the patient as soon as the physical condition allows, even if this only involves dangling at the bedside or moving to a chair. A wide base of support increases balance. Isometric exercises (i.e., activities that involve muscle tension without muscle shortening) have no beneficial effect on preventing orthostatic hypotension, but they improve activity tolerance. A high-calcium diet can help with osteoporosis but can be detrimental in an immobile patient.

The Patient Has Been in Bed for Several Days and Needs