How can the therapeutic intervention of bed rest be both beneficial and cause potential complications for a client in the hospital setting?
Bed rest is considered a therapeutic intervention for clients who require rest due to exhaustion or fatigue, require decreased oxygen consumption to improve cardiac function and minimize workload of the heart and lungs, and as a relief measure for pain and discomfort. The critical factor is the duration of bed rest as prolonged bed rest can lead to effects of immobility and translate into a variety of physiological reactions affecting the entire body system. Sensory deprivation, alterations in elimination, skin integrity, respiratory effort, and gastrointestinal systems can occur. Prolonged bed rest can lead to muscle atrophy and development of contractures. Psychological effects of immobility can lead to increased anxiety, depression, helplessness, loss of control and increased dependency. Even though bed rest may be ordered for your client, it does not mean that the client should be completely immobile. Exercises (both passive and active depending on the client’s functional ability)
