Routines for Patients in Acute Care
Collars
Your collar is to be worn at all times, except when lying on your back or unless your doctor orders otherwise. It may be taken off for collar and neck care if approved by your doctor.
Splints
To prevent contracture of the muscles in your hands and wrists, a splint may be applied. Splint types may vary. Time of wearing your splint may vary. Your splint should be worn as recommended by the occupational therapist/physical therapist.
Turning
Turning helps prevent skin breakdown and assists with chest care. If possible, you will be turned every 2 hours from side to side throughout the day and night while in bed. The less time spent on your back, the better.
Mobility
Being up in a chair helps improve morale, and mobilization improves general health. Your time up in a chair will be gradually increased from about 30 minutes to 2½ hours. For your comfort, you will have pressure eased off buttocks frequently. To prevent problems with your blood pressure, an abdominal binder will be worn when you are up in chair. You should wear your safety belt at all times.
Respiratory Care—when extubated
To maintain adequate oxygen to your lungs, it may be necessary to assist you to clear your lungs of secretions. You may need oxygen, e.g. a mask or prongs. You will receive chest physical therapy as needed.
Nutrition
To help improve your healing process, your diet will be monitored to ensure you have an adequate intake of protein, calories, etc. Depending on your injury, swallow assessments may be ordered by the doctor. Ideally, you can eat a high protein, high calorie regular diet.
You may require feeding if you can’t manage it yourself or you may have feeding splints to assist you with your meals. You may need a feeding tube in your nose to the stomach, or in your stomach directly to provide liquid nutrition if you are unable to swallow food and drinks safely.
Voiding
To maintain tone of bladder and empty its contents, the urinary catheter is inserted. It will be removed when the doctor orders it.
A condom catheter may be applied if a male patient can partially empty bladder on his own. Sometimes a condom catheter needs to be in place when a male patient cannot control his bladder.
If you are unable to empty your bladder, you may need manual emptying every 3 to 6 hours by a nurse, with an “in and out” catheter.
Elimination
To prevent constipation, you may require laxatives.
Physical/Occupation Therapy
To prepare for your rehabilitation, the focus of treatment will be to maintain range of movement of your joints, prevent skin breakdown, maximize your ability to breath and progress to upright sitting in a wheelchair.
Hygiene
For your cleanliness and comfort, you will receive a daily bath. Families will be asked to supply toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant and toiletries.
Patient and Family Support
A social worker can assist you and your family with any other concerns, such as financial, paperwork, other agencies if necessary. A chaplain can discuss spirituality and spiritual care with you and your family.