Q: We know that progressive early mobility prevents many complications and improves patient recovery. What are the evidence-based approaches to mobility in patients with femoral catheters?

A: Jennifer Dammeyer, MSN, RN, CNS-C, CCRN-K, and Regi Freeman, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, reply:

There is a plethora of literature outlining the negative impacts of immobility in the intensive care unit (ICU), including muscle deconditioning, decreased activity tolerance, increased ventilator days, infection, pressure injuries, delirium, and increased length of stay.1-4  In addition, numerous studies have shown support for prevention of these complications through early mobilization of ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation and the assistance of multiple medical devices.1,3,4  Intensive care units that routinely incorporate the ICU Liberation ABCDEF (Assess, prevent, and manage pain; Both spontaneous awakening trials and spontaneous breathing trials; Choice of analgesia and sedation; Delirium, assess, prevent, and manage; Early mobility; Family engagement)...

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