Nursing Assistant Certification Course

Week 20: Rehabilitation and Restorative Care

Duration: 3 hours

I. Range of Motion Exercises (1 hour)
   A. Understanding Range of Motion (ROM)
      1. Definition and importance of ROM
         Example: Range of motion refers to the movement capacity of a joint, and maintaining or improving ROM is essential for preventing stiffness, maintaining functional abilities, and promoting overall joint health.
      2. Factors affecting ROM
         Example: Factors such as age, injury, surgery, or chronic medical conditions can impact an individual's ROM, leading to decreased flexibility or mobility.
   B. Performing ROM Exercises
      1. Passive, active-assistive, and active ROM exercises
         Example: Nursing assistants should be familiar with different types of ROM exercises, such as passive ROM (moving a patient's joint without their assistance), active-assistive ROM (providing support as the patient moves the joint), and active ROM (the patient moves the joint independently).
      2. Techniques and precautions for safe ROM exercises
         Example: When performing ROM exercises, nursing assistants should use proper body mechanics, move the joint slowly and smoothly, and be mindful of the patient's comfort and tolerance levels.

II. Ambulation and Mobility Assistance (1 hour)
   A. Techniques for Assisting with Ambulation
      1. Using gait belts and proper body mechanics
         Example: When assisting patients with ambulation, nursing assistants should use gait belts and proper body mechanics to ensure both the patient's and their own safety.
      2. Encouraging and supporting patient independence
         Example: Nursing assistants should encourage patients to be as independent as possible during ambulation, providing support and assistance as needed, while promoting confidence and self-reliance.
   B. Mobility Assistance and Transfer Techniques
      1. Bed-to-chair and chair-to-bed transfers
         Example: Nursing assistants should be proficient in various transfer techniques, such as safely transferring patients between beds and chairs, while maintaining patient comfort and dignity.
      2. Assisting with wheelchair and walker use
         Example: Nursing assistants should be able to assist patients with the proper use of wheelchairs and walkers, ensuring the devices are appropriately adjusted for the patient's size and needs, and providing support and guidance as necessary.

III. Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices (1 hour)
   A. Types of Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices
      1. Devices for mobility, self-care, and communication
         Example: Adaptive equipment and assistive devices can include mobility aids (such as wheelchairs and walkers), self-care aids (such as long-handled sponges and reachers), and communication devices (such as amplifiers and text-to-speech devices).
      2. Customizing equipment to meet individual needs
         Example: Nursing assistants should be aware of how to customize adaptive equipment and assistive devices to meet the specific needs of each patient, ensuring optimal function and usability.
   B. Using Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices Safely and Effectively
      1. Proper setup, maintenance, and use of devices
         Example: Nursing assistants should ensure that adaptive equipment and assistive devices are properly set up, well-maintained, and used correctly to promote patient safety and independence.
      2. Patient education and support
         Example: Nursing assistants should provide education and support to patients and their families on the proper use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices, reinforcing instructions and answering questions as needed.

Upon completing Week 20, students will have gained essential knowledge and skills related to rehabilitation and restorative care, including performing range of motion exercises, assisting with ambulation and mobility, and utilizing adaptive equipment and assistive devices. These skills are crucial for supporting patients' recovery,