BED REST, PROLONGED: PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS -- GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

Course overview

Bed rest is a form of therapy, either prescribed (e.g. for women whose pregnancies are determined to be at high risk—multiple birth, placenta previa, preterm labor) or imposed (e.g., for patients following certain surgeries such as bowel resection, splenectomy, or liver resection and orthopedic patients requiring spinal or limb immobilization, those who are critically ill, and for those with spinal cord injuries [SCIs]) that is undertaken for a specified length of time or until the return of physiological homeostasis or well-being. Complications associated with prolonged bed rest include depression and problems with body systems: cardiovascular (e.g., ↑ heart rate, cardiac deconditioning, venous thromboembolism, orthostatic hypotension), musculoskeletal (e.g., sarcopenia [also known as mechanical unloading; i.e., degenerative loss of skeletal strength and muscle mass], contractures, degenerative joint disease), gastrointestinal (GI; e.g., ↓ peristalsis, acid reflux), pulmonary (e.g., atelectasis, pneumonia), genitourinary (e.g., kidney stones, urinary tract infections [UTIs]), psychosocial (e.g., feelings of isolation, depression and helplessness), and integumentary (e.g., skin breakdown/pressure ulcers [PrUs] that increase the risk of delayed wound healing and healthcare-associated infections [HCAIs]). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of preventing complications associated with prolonged bed rest, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient who is on bedrest. 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.