Help! I Have Fallen and I Can’t Get Up: Recumbent Patient Care

When a patient is recumbent many systems within the body are affected negatively. These negative effects will delay healing and recovery and can create secondary problems. This discussion covers the many aspects that affect a recumbent patient including urination/defecation, respiration, nutrition, body temperature, pain responses, and mobility. The methods of providing quality and targeted nursing care are discussed for each topic.