First Time Up

• Need to always check pts OBS chart before getting them up to make sure theres nothing affecting/stopping them from getting up and being mobilised for the first time
• • Need to ask pts to see if they feel as if theyre in any discomfort or got any dizziness/nausea
  • Ask pts to keep you informed of any changes to the wellbeing at any point - getting up for the first time in a while can cause a decrease in blood pressure putting the pts at risk
• • need to get rid of anything attaching pts to the walls/sides, especially the catheter bags
  • need to take suitable approaches to make sure you can take them with the pts safely e.g. putting it on a frame that moves with the pts or tuck it into pts pockets - but this is not very dignifying
  • check with nurses if theyre actively measuring pts uriniary contents, if not, drain it and change it for a leg bag that can be hidden under pts gown
• • need to check pts footwear
  • need to make sure the space around pts is clear from trouble and maybe place a chair nearby
  • need to make sure the walking aids are in proximity and nearby ready to be used
  • need to check pts weightbearing status
  • need to make sure pts understands their weightbearing status
• • need to explain plan to pts (allow their input and goals) and be given consent to start
  • must have at least 2 people by the pts the first time theyre getting up so that theres someone to help pts with stability at all times
  • need to again make sure pts arent dizzy or nauseas once theyve sat up and that they understand their weightbearing status
  • keep patient sitting for a while to check blood pressure is okay and he feels okay
• • need to chunk activities e.g. sitting, measure up aids, sitting, check progression, demonstration
  • after demonstration it is essential your hands (and assistant) are free to be near pts in case they need you