NURA 303 Fundamentals of Nursing Care
Body Activity Case Studies
Corry Trocheck
NURA 303
Objective:
The objective of this assignment is to demonstrate understanding of essential nursing concepts
and skills related to safe and effective care of clients with mobility problems. Understanding of
concepts related to proper body mechanics, patient transferring, and fall prevention will also be
elicited.
Case Study A:
You are a nurse on a medical–surgical unit in a hospital caring for a 68-year-old brick mason who
returned to the unit after surgery to repair both knees 2 days ago. The surgery went smoothly and you
are responsible for his postoperative care.
1. What activity assessments would be needed to determine the best method to transfer this
patient from bed to chair?
First, I would assess the patient’s vitals to make sure that the patient was not at risk for
orthostatic hypotension (Taylor, Lynn, & Bartlett, 2019). I could then use the activity algorithm
to help me through the process of transferring the patient from bed to chair (Occupational
Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2009). Through this, I would first assess the patient’s
weight-bearing capability to ensure that I was implementing the right transfer method and aid if
necessary. For example, if the patient could not bear weight, but was cooperative, I could use a
seated transfer aid. I would also assess the patients upper body strength. I could also complete
, NURA 303 Fundamentals of Nursing Care
Body Activity Case Studies
a fall-risk assessment, such as the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model or the Morse Fall Scale to
determine whether the patient was able to ambulate with assistance safely (Taylor et al., 2019).
2. What must you consider regarding tubes, IV lines, incisions, and medical equipment when
positioning and transferring this patient?
I would need to make sure that any tubes or IV lines were out of the way for ambulation and
that they would not be pulled out in the process. The patient’s lines would need to be close/on
the patient’s body and able to move with the patient the entire time (Taylor et al., 2019).
3. Outline the rationale for encouraging your patient to use a stand-assist aid.
Having the patient use the stand-assist aid is best if the patient is physically able to because it
encourages the patient’s independence which in turn increases their self-esteem and mobility
levels (Taylor et al., 2019). Patient autonomy is one of the goals we should always be working
on in our nursing practice.
4. Why would you stand in front of the patient before allowing him to stand?
You should stand in front of the patient before allowing him to stand in case he or she becomes
light-headed and faints, or loses balance; as a preventative for risk of falling or injury (Taylor et
al., 2019).
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