User:Lcarney6368/sandbox

Bedridden
Being bedridden is a form of involuntary bed rest. Bedridden refers to a person who is confined to a bed by medical order or some kind of injury rendering the patient incapacitated. There are many affect this could have on the body of the patient such as pressure ulcers. Over time the decrease of blood supply to the tissue in the body causes the flesh to die and form sores. These pressure ulcers can become infected and cause further medical complications. It is important that family members or care giver frequently rotate the patient to avoid such injury. Other symptoms of bedridden patients are depression, pulmonary congestion, pneumonia, loss of apatite, sleep loss, and back pain. There are certain exercises that can help bedridden patients such as palm stretching, ankle plantarflexion-dorsiflexion exercise, arm lifts, and leg lifts.

Common Health Risks
One very serious health risk is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is when a blood clot, also known as a thrombus, forms in one or more deep veins of the body mostly occurring in the legs of the patient. This can cause serious pain and swelling and if the blood clot gets lose it can become logged in your lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. Low-molecular-weight heparins have proved to have postive effects in preventing patents with DVT. Prolonged bedridden patients can experience muscles deterioration. The skeletal system supports the body best in an upright position against gravity. It is very important for patents to constantly get in exercise to avoid the muscle atrophy.

Caregiving for bedridden patients
Being a caregiver for a bedridden patient can be a very tough task. It is important to promote good hygiene. Many patients lose interest in bathing, grooming, dental work, and clothing. Next you must change bedsheets regularly. Bedding can get dirty from food, bed baths, dirt, dead skin, and other debris. Another tip is to ensure good nutrition. Eating healthy is very important but even more important in bedridden patients. Lastly, caregivers must have patience and understanding. Caring for a bedridden patient is not easy and it is very important to make the them feel comfortable and relaxed.