BED REST, PROLONGED: PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS -- MUSCULOSKELETAL 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 physiological homeostasis or wellbeing. Musculoskeletal complications associated with prolonged bed rest (e.g., sarcopenia [also known as mechanical unloading; i.e., degenerative loss of skeletal strength and muscle mass], contractures, degenerative joint disease) begin within hours of immobility and can result in a 4–5% loss of muscle strength for each week of bed rest. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of preventing musculoskeletal 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.