Key Concepts, Chapter 33, Activity

The framework of bones, the joints between them, and cartilage that
protects our organs and allows us to move is called the skeletal system.

Functions of skeletal system include support; protection; provide surfaces for
the attachments of muscles, tendons, and ligaments; provide storage areas
for minerals and fat; and hematopoiesis.

All movements that change the positions of the bony parts of the body occur
at joints.

The muscular system is composed of three types of muscles: (1) skeletal, (2)
cardiac, and (3) smooth or visceral muscles. Muscle tissue produces
movement by contraction of its cells. Skeletal muscle works with tendons and
bones to move the body.

Functions of muscular system include motion, maintenance of posture,
support, and heat production.

Proper body alignment and good posture permit optimal musculoskeletal
balance and operation and promote healthy physiologic functioning. A body
in correct alignment is balanced.

Coordinated body movement is the ability of muscles to work together for
purposeful movement.

Postural reflexes are the group of reflexes (automatic movements) that
maintain body position and equilibrium, whether at rest or during movement.

Patient care ergonomics is the practice of designing equipment and work
tasks to conform to the capability of the worker in relation to patient care.

Numerous factors, including growth and development, physical health,
mental health, lifestyle variables, attitude and values, fatigue and stress, and
external factors such as weather, influence a person’s posture, movement,
and daily activity level.

Regular exercise is necessary for healthy functioning of the body and impacts
every major body system. People who choose inactive lifestyles or who are
forced into inactivity by illness or injury place themselves at high risk for
serious health problems.

Nursing assessment related to activity includes asking patients about their
daily activity level, endurance, exercise and fitness goals, mobility problems,
physical or mental health alterations that affect mobility, and external factors
affecting mobility.

Physical assessment of mobility status includes an assessment of general
ease of movement and gait; alignment, joint structure, and function; muscle
mass, tone, and strength; and endurance. The patient’s ability to stand,
walk, sit up, and grasp are important because these enable the patient to
wash, dress, and feed himself or herself and perform other basic ADLs.

Patient care ergonomics and safe patient handling and movement should be
incorporated into nursing practice and patient care.

Nursing strategies designed to promote correct body alignment, mobility, and
fitness, as well as interventions to prevent complications from immobility are
important aspects of nursing care. Techniques for positioning patients,
performing range-of-motion exercises, moving, lifting, and ambulating
patients, and designing exercise programs should also be included in the care
of a patient, as appropriate.

Safe patient handling and transfers involve the use of patient assessment
criteria, algorithms for patient handling decisions, and proper use of patient
handling equipment.

Many
devices
and
equipment
are
available
to
aid
in
transferring,
repositioning, and lifting patients. It is important to use the right equipment
and appropriate device based on patient assessment and desired movement.