Introduction

Figure 9.1 Assessing functional ability and mobility is part of nursing care. (credit: modification of work “Naval Hospital Jacksonville Physical Therapy 210205-N-QA097-001” by Deidre Smith/Navy Medicine/Flickr, Public Domain)

Chapter Outline

9.1 Assessing Functional Ability

9.2 Assessing Mobility

9.3 Transferring Patients

9.4 Positioning in Bed

9.5 Limited Movement Devices

Part of comprehensive nursing care involves assessing the movement of patients, whether they move independently or with assistance. Nursing interventions are based on maintaining as much independent movement as possible. This can be done by educating and providing demonstrations of various exercises. This chapter will discuss how to assess the functional ability and mobility of patients, how to safely transfer a patient, proper positioning in the bed, and frequently used mobility devices.