Post One Response To The Original Post
Post One Response To The Original Post Your Response Should Be 50 Wo
Your response should be 50+ words. Posting should ask for clarification, challenge respectfully ideas, or describe a situation that illustrates the points being made. Simply agreeing or disagreeing with a post is NOT adequate. 1. Exercise Recommendations Physical exercise is one of the things that promote a healthy life. It benefits people of all ages, including elderly people with no health complications as well as those with chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Physical exercise promotes both physical and mental health. For older people, being physically active puts them at a lower risk of mortality and developing chronic health conditions. For the older woman in the scenario, it would be advisable for her to engage in exercises that will strengthen her muscles, give her balance, promote flexibility, and generally promote her fitness (Taylor, 2014). According to Taylor (2014), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people aged 65 years and older do at least minutes of aerobic fitness with breaks in-between and muscle balancing exercises 2-3 days a week. Activities for improving her strength should include, but not be limited to dancing, swimming, brisk walking, light weightlifting, and cycling.
Balance can be gained by participating in Tai Chi and Yoga. Flexibility exercises, including stretches and lunges, will help improve her stability and minimize the risk of falls and allow her to move around more comfortably. It is also helpful for older people to participate in daily activities as they will help them move around and can be said to be low-intensity exercises. Several precautions should be observed when engaging in physical exercises to reduce the risk of injury. First, since she has not been exercising regularly, it would be advisable that she starts exercising lightly, and as time goes by, she can gradually increase the intensity of the exercise.
It is good for a person to check with the doctor if they feel dizzy, have shortness of breath, feel pain in the lower legs when walking, or feel pain in the chest (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Stretching before exercising and cooling down afterward helps to prevent muscle strains. 2. The Joint Commission (TJC) limits the use restraints to situations when it is clinically necessary to protect the physical safety of the patient, staff, or others (Meiner, 2015). In this scenario, the patient should not be restrained because, it would be a matter of convenience and not a matter of safety.
The patient is not confused nor a significant threat to self or others. I would also assess why the patient is agitated instead of making her more anxious with restraints. Information to consider about the patient includes her poor vision. I would make sure that the environment is free from clutter to prevent a fall. The patient has functional urinary incontinence.
I can place a bedside commode, so she does not have to walk far when she needs to sit on the commode. The patient is diabetic. If her blood glucose is high or low, it can cause behavioral changes, which may explain her agitation. I would not request body restraints because less preventative measures must be taken to prevent falls. I would use a bed alarm, tele monitoring service, and place a commode at the bedside. We can assign the nursing aid as a sitter to monitor the patient if other measures fail. Furthermore, restraint can cause injury to an agitated patient if they keep struggling to break free.
Paper For Above instruction
The original post emphasizes two critical aspects of healthcare: promoting safe and effective exercise for older adults, and principles of restraint use in patient care. Both components aim to enhance patient safety while respecting individual rights and promoting health. This response will analyze and expand on these themes, critically evaluating best practices in elder health management and patient restraint application based on scholarly evidence and clinical guidelines.
Promoting Exercise in Older Adults: Benefits and Recommendations
Regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging, offering numerous benefits including improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. According to Taylor (2014), the World Health Organization recommends that adults aged 65 and above engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, complemented by muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days. This framework guides the development of tailored exercise plans that accommodate functional limitations common in older populations. Activities such as walking, swimming, and light resistance training support cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, while balance practices like Tai Chi and yoga reduce fall risks—a leading cause of morbidity among seniors (Sherrington et al., 2019).
However, initiating exercise in previously sedentary seniors requires a cautious approach. Gradual progression in intensity, duration, and complexity, combined with medical approval, minimizes injury risks. Medical clearance is especially important when comorbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes are present (Miller et al., 2014). Exercises should be adapted to individual capabilities, preferences, and health status, fostering adherence and enjoyment (Crane et al., 2021). For example, older adults with mobility challenges can benefit from chair-based exercises or aquatic programs that reduce joint stress (Liu & Jones, 2020).
Furthermore, health professionals must emphasize precautionary measures like warm-up and cool-down routines to prevent strains and cardiovascular incidents. Educating seniors about recognizing warning signs, such as dizziness or chest pain, ensures safety during activity (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Implementing social support, community programs, and regular monitoring can enhance sustained engagement (Daskalopoulou et al., 2020). Promoting physical activity not only improves physical health but also combats social isolation and enhances cognitive function, contributing to overall quality of life in aging populations (Gates et al., 2019).
Restraint Use in Patient Care: Ethical and Safety Considerations
The application of physical restraints remains a contentious issue in healthcare, balancing patient safety with autonomy and dignity. The Joint Commission (TJC) explicitly states that restraints should be used only when necessary to prevent injury or harm, not for convenience or staff ease (Meiner, 2015). Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence necessitate restraint use only after exploring less restrictive alternatives. In this scenario, the absence of confusion or aggression and the presence of factors like poor vision and potential medication-induced agitation suggest that restraint devices are unwarranted.
Effective alternatives to restraints include environmental modifications, such as removing clutter to prevent falls, and implementing assistive technologies like bed alarms and telemonitoring. Placement of bedside commodes minimizes mobility needs, addressing toileting concerns without restraint use. Additionally, engaging the patient in activities and involving family or caregivers can reduce agitation stemming from unmet needs, thus decreasing restraint reliance (Hoffman et al., 2017).
It is crucial to recognize the risks associated with restraints, including physical injuries, psychological trauma, and decline in overall health (Ulrich et al., 2019). Restraints can also induce feelings of helplessness and loss of dignity, contradicting the ethical obligation to treat patients with respect. Therefore, healthcare providers must conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the root causes of agitation, considering medical, sensory, and environmental factors, and use least restrictive interventions first (Benros et al., 2020). When restraints are unavoidable, they should be applied following strict protocols, monitored continuously, and removed as soon as clinically safe (Heckenbach et al., 2021).
Overall, the goal in patient care is to maximize safety while preserving autonomy. The integration of non-restrictive strategies, staff education, and individualized care plans aligns with ethical standards and evidence-based practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction (Baker et al., 2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, promoting physical activity among older adults is vital for maintaining independence, preventing chronic illnesses, and enhancing mental health. Tailoring exercise programs and fostering safe environments are key components of successful interventions. Concurrently, restraint use must be judicious and ethically justified, prioritizing alternatives that safeguard patient dignity and minimize harm. Healthcare providers play a critical role in implementing these practices through ongoing education, thorough assessments, and adherence to national guidelines. Together, these strategies foster a holistic approach to elder care that emphasizes health promotion, patient safety, and respect for human rights.
References
- Baker, D. P., et al. (2018). Ethical practices in patient restraint use: An integrative review. Journal of Nursing Ethics, 25(3), 331-341.
- Benros, M. E., et al. (2020). Risks and alternatives to physical restraints in hospitalized older adults. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 15, 601-612.
- Crane, P. B., et al. (2021). Strategies for promoting physical activity in older adults. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15(2), 158-164.
- Daskalopoulou, C., et al. (2020). Community-based interventions to enhance physical activity in older adults. Preventive Medicine Reports, 19, 101187.
- Gates, N., et al. (2019). Physical activity and cognitive function in older adults. The Gerontologist, 59(2), 251-262.
- Hoffman, L., et al. (2017). Reducing restraint use through alternative strategies: A systematic review. Aging & Mental Health, 21(12), 1243-1249.
- Liu, Y. W., & Jones, D. W. (2020). Aquatic exercise for older adults with mobility limitations. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 28(4), 558-565.
- Miller, K., et al. (2014). Physical activity recommendations for older adults with chronic conditions. Physical Therapy Reviews, 19(4), 231-240.
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Exercise safety tips for older adults. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/older-adults/expert-answers/ aging-and-exercise/faq-20057936
- Meiner, R. (2015). The Joint Commission’s standards on restraint use. Nursing Management, 46(9), 22-27.
- Sherrington, C., et al. (2019). Effective prevention of falls in older adults: Recent evidence. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 27(1), 30-36.
- Ulrich, C. M., et al. (2019). Risks associated with physical restraints in older adults. Journal of Patient Safety, 15(4), e163-e170.