Basic Care & Comfort

Keep the load close to the body, bend at the knees and hips (not the back), maintain a wide base of support, and use leg muscles to lift. Use assistive devices to prevent injury.

Reposition immobile patients at least every 2 hours, keep skin clean and dry, use pressure-redistributing surfaces, and ensure adequate protein and hydration.

Stage 1: intact skin with nonblanchable erythema. Stage 2: partial-thickness loss with exposed dermis (shallow open ulcer or blister).

Stage 3: full-thickness loss with visible fat. Stage 4: full-thickness loss exposing muscle, tendon, or bone.

Immobility risks include venous thromboembolism, pneumonia (atelectasis), pressure injuries, constipation, muscle atrophy, contractures, and bone demineralization.

Active ROM is done by the patient; passive ROM is performed by the nurse for patients who cannot move a joint. ROM prevents contractures and maintains joint mobility.