Comfort & comfort devices

fundamentals of nursing- comfort

1. Comfort & comfort devices - Ms. Khyati Chaudhari

2. definition Comfort- - The absence of irritating stimuli that distract one's attention from the task at hand . Comfort devices - are the mechanical devices planned to provide optimal comfort to an individual.

3. List of comfort devices… PILLOWS BACK REST BED CRADLE CARDIAC TABLE MATTRESSES TRAPEZE BAR FOOTBOARD TROCHANTER ROLLS

4. List of comfort devices… SANDBAGS SIDE RAILS WEDGE / ABDUCTOR PILLOW KNEE REST BED BLOCKS AIR CUSHION RUBBER & COTTON RINGS HAND ROLLS

5. Pillows They are made up of strong cotton or Dunlop. Size 60 cm long, 45 cm wide & 10 cm thick. PURPOSES : Used for support to maintain correct body alignment Used under head , arms , legs & along spine or abdomen to provide comfort.

6. Back Rest It’s mechanical device which provides support for the client in the sitting position. Support patient’s back at an angle , so that he may maintain a sitting position. Can be adjusted to desired angle. Extra pillows are needed. Arms of patient are well supported . Used for pts suffering with cardiac & pulmonary distress.

7. Back Rest PURPOSES : To relieve dyspnea. To promote drainage from abdominal cavity. To provide a comfortable change of position.

8. Bed Cradle It is a frame used to hold the bed linen from touching the pt. It support & take off the weight of the bed clothing. Cradle is a semicircular / rectangular frame of metal. May be made of wood or bamboo . Cradles equipped bulbs are used to supply the desired amount warmth.

9. Bed Cradle PURPOSES: To prevent pressure from the weight of linen. To allow air to circulate around lower limbs. To apply heat as in case of drying plaster casts.

10. Cardiac Table Bed table placed in front with a pillow on it, patient can lean forward & take rest. Table without pillow is used for writing & meals. Used for pts with cardiac conditions & asthma. Position should be changed to relieve fatigue.

11. Cardiac Table PURPOSES: Patient can rest over the table with the help of pillow. Helps to take meals & in writing.

12. Mattresses Mainly two types: Air Mattress Water mattress The principle of using this mattress is “ pressure excreted by the body will be distributed equally in all direction. Thus, pressure against bony prominences or areas subject to develop of pressure sores will be reduced.

13. Mattresses PURPOSES : To provide comfort. Used for very thin and very obese patients and those who are prone to pressure sores.

14. Mattresses Air mattress

15. Mattresses Water mattress

16. Trapeze Bar Bar is suspended from an overhead frame to head of bed. PURPOSES: Patient can grasp the bar to raise the trunk off the bed surface or to move up in bed.

17. Trapeze Bar

18. Foot Board Device that is placed towards the foot of pts bed to serve as support for his feet . Usually made up of wood/plastic/heavy canvas. PURPOSES: To support patients feet. To prevent foot drop . To maintain normal position of feet. Also provided for people in office work to support lower extremities.

19. Foot Board

20. Trochanter Roll A cotton bath blanket/sheet is folded lengthwise to width extending from greater trochanter of femur to lower border of popliteal space. PURPOSES: To Prevent external rotation of legs when patient is in supine position.

21. Trochanter Roll

22. Sand Bags They are sand filled plastic bags that can be shaped to body contours. Can be used in place of or in addition to trochanter rolls. PURPOSES: Provide support & shape to body . Immobilize extremities & maintain specific body alignment. To immobilize a part as in fractures. To relieve discomfort. To prevent foot drop & wrist drop.

23. Sand Bags

24. Side Rails Side rails are the bars positioned along the sides of the length of the bed PURPOSES : Ensure patient’s safety & are useful for increasing mobility. Provide assistance in rolling from side to side or sitting up in bed.

25. Side Rails

26. Wedge/Abductor Pillow It is a triangular shaped pillow made of heavy foam PURPOSES : Used to maintain legs in abduction following Total Hip Replacement Surgery

27. Wedge/Abductor Pillow

28. Knee Rest Knee rest may be substituted by a pillow. This is a device placed under the knees to provide comfort . PURPOSES : This gives relaxation and thus relieves pain on tendons beneath the knees . Many doctors do not allow knee pillows because of the fear of thrombus formation & pulmonary embolism. Note : change of position in frequent intervals is necessary.

29. Knee Rest

30. Bed Blocks Made up of wood or metal. PURPOSES : These are used to raise the foot end or head end of the bed.

31. Bed Blocks

32. Air Cushions Air cushions are made up of rubber and it can be inflated with air . PURPOSES : Used to take off the weight of the body and to relieve pressure on certain parts of the body . They should not be used directly in contact with the skin. They should have covers.

33. Air Cushions

34. Rubber & Cotton Rings These are circular rings made of rubber or cotton. PURPOSES : These are used to relieve pressure on certain parts of the body like elbow and heels.

35. Rubber & Cotton Rings

36. Hand Roll Made by folding a washcloth in half , rolling in lengthwise & securing roll with tape. Roll is placed against palmar surface of hand. Purposes : Maintain thumb in slightly adducted & in opposition to fingers. Maintain fingers in slightly flexed position.

37. Hand Roll