The nurse caring for a patient with a spinal cord injury notes that the patient is exhibiting early signs and symptoms of disuse syndrome. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Limit the amount of assistance provided with ADLs.
B) Collaborate with the physical therapist and immobilize the patient's extremities temporarily.
C) Increase the frequency of ROM exercises.
D) Educate the patient about the importance of frequent position changes.
Ans: C
Feedback:
To prevent disuse syndrome, ROM exercises must be provided at least four times a day, and care is taken to stretch the Achilles tendon with exercises. The patient is repositioned frequently and is maintained in proper body alignment whether in bed or in a wheelchair. The patient must be repositioned by caregivers, not just taught about repositioning. It is inappropriate to limit assistance for the sole purpose of preventing disuse syndrome.
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