BED REST, PROLONGED: PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS -- INTEGUMENTARY 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) or imposed (e.g., for patients who are critically ill, 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. The therapeutic goal of bed rest is to preserve a patient’s physiologic functioning by allowing the body to conserve energy, and redirect blood flow and oxygen to organs and other body tissues. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of preventing integumentary system complications associated with prolonged bed rest. 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.