Nursing Diagnosis for Impaired Physical Mobility: A Comprehensive Guide

As individuals transition from adolescence to adulthood, it is crucial for nurses to educate them about the effects of alcohol and other substances on balance and safety while driving. Similarly, when working with school-age children, nurses must emphasize the importance of preventive measures to avoid injuries related to physical activity, such as wearing helmets and knee pads while bicycling or skateboarding.

Parents are educated about these developmental milestones during well-child visits. For instance, infants progress from moving their limbs to holding their head up, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and eventually walking. At each stage of growth and development, nurses must assess a patient's mobility and provide appropriate education.

One crucial aspect to consider is the potential for urinary incontinence due to an individual's inability to reach the restroom in time. Monitoring the 24-hour trend of intake and output, as well as symptoms such as dysuria, urgency, or frequency, can help identify this issue. Additionally, assessing for the presence of urinary tract abnormalities related to immobility, such as suprapubic distension or tenderness resulting from urinary retention, is essential.

If constipation is suspected, nurses should palpate the patient's left lower quadrant for signs of stool presence and ask about their last bowel movement date. Monitoring stool patterns and characteristics can also provide valuable insights. Furthermore, assessing for potential signs of atelectasis and pneumonia is crucial in patients with impaired physical mobility.

The gastrointestinal system must be thoroughly assessed by inspecting for distension, auscultating bowel sounds, and palpating the abdomen for tenderness. The presence of lower extremity edema and potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should also be evaluated.

A comprehensive respiratory assessment is necessary, including evaluating respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, chest wall movement and symmetry, and depth and effort of respirations. The cardiovascular system must also be assessed, focusing on blood pressure, heart sounds, apical and peripheral pulses, and capillary refill time.

It is essential to perform a thorough assessment for patients with impaired physical mobility due to the potential negative impact it can have on various body systems. By following these guidelines, nurses can provide effective care and support for individuals with this diagnosis.

Nursing diagnosis for impaired physical mobility