BED REST, PROLONGED: PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS -- CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Course overview

Bed rest is a form of therapy, either prescribed (e.g., for women whose pregnancies are determined to be high-risk) or imposed (e.g., for patients who are critically ill) that is undertaken for a specified length of time or until the return of the patient’s physiological homeostasis or well being. Cardiovascular complications associated with prolonged bed rest can arise in as few as 20 hours with postural hypotension seen as the first symptom. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of preventing cardiovascular complications associated with prolonged bed rest, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.