c. Precautions must be taken to prevent the development of pressure sores.
(1) Utilize a protective mattress such as a flotation mattress, alternating
pressure mattress, or eggcrate mattress.
(2)
Change the patient's position at least every two hours.
(3) Unless contraindicated, get the patient out of bed and into a cushioned,
supportive chair.
d. Protect the patient from injury.
(1)
Keep siderails up.
(2)
Pad the rails with pillows or folded blankets.
(3)
Keep stray objects out of the bed.
(4)
Use draw sheets for easier turning.
(5)
Keep suction equipment available at the bedside for emergencies.
e. Restraints.
(1)
Use restraints only with physician's order.
(2) Use "mitten" restraints to prevent the patient from pulling at catheters, IV
lines, his hair, and so on. (Patients not in deep coma may scratch or pick at
themselves.)
(3) The restless, confused patient will actively resist restraint and thrash
about more when not permitted some freedom of movement of the arms and legs.
(4) Take precautions to prevent restraint from becoming restricting. Do not
cut-off circulation. Do not irritate the skin.
Section V. INFECTIOUS NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
2-28. INTRODUCTION
Infectious neurological diseases usually render the patient acutely ill. Caring for
a patient with an infectious neurological condition provides a challenge for the health
care team in terms of bedside clinical skills and intensive planning for discharge and
rehabilitation.
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