Comfort:- Definition:- Comfort is a state of freedom from pain, discomfort, tension and anxiety. Comfort is defined as contented enjoyment in physical or mental well being, freedom from pain and trouble.
Causes of discomfort:- Pain. Restriction of movements due to weakness. Wrinkled ,soiled, and wet sheets. Delayed of inadequate attention to meet the personal needs. Lack of exercise. Temperature extremes. Too bright lights and glares. Fear and anxiety due to illness. Lack of sleep. Insecurity feeling. Uncomfortable position.
Devices promoting physical comfort:- Comfort devices:- Are invented articles which would add to comfort of patient when used in appropriate manner. These devices relieve the discomfort and help in maintain correct posture. It includes: Pillow Back rest Rolls Foot rest/footboards Sand bags
Cont … Air and water mattress Rings Bed cradle Bed blocks Air cushion Cardiac table Gloves with water Trochanter roll
Pillows:- Pillows are used to give comfort position to the patient. These are mostly used to support various body parts. Purposes:- To maintain proper body alignment To supports body parts in good alignment Help to reduce pressure It can be folded, rolled or tucked firmly against the body to maintain position It is used to support head ,neck, arms ,legs, and parts of back.
Back rest:- It is mechanical device which provides a suitable support and rest for the back of patient in sitting position. Purposes:- To support back To facilitate easy breathing It is given specially for heart patients and asthma patients even in post-operative patients.
Rolls:- Hand rolls are made of cloth that rolled into a cylinder about 4-5 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter and stiffed firmly. Purposes:- To keep the finger free being held in tight fist. Thigh rolls are made by folding a sheet to the desired length of 2-3 feet and then rolled into a tight cylinder. Thigh rolls are used to support hips and thighs, preventing them from outward rotation and keeping the foot in good alignment in case of paralysis, fracture of femur and hip surgery.
Foot rests :- These are mechanical devices used to give rest to feet. Sand bags or foot board may be used. Purposes:- To maintain the normal position of feet. To promote comfort. To prevent foot drop.
Sand bags :- These are canvas rubber or plastic bags filled with sand. These are used to immobilize a part. Purposes:- To relieve discomfort. Used to support body parts. Used to immobilize the body part. Used to support in fracture bones. To prevent foot drop or wrist drop.
Air and water mattresses:- These are used to very thin and obese patients and those who are prone to get pressure sores. It helps in equal distribution of the pressure exerted on the body. Purposes:- To improve circulation. To provide comfort. To prevent pressure sores. Used in very thin and obese patients and chronic bed ridden patients.
Rings: - Air rings are made of rubber. The air rings is inflated about half full, tested for leakage, covered and than placed under the patient’s hips in such a way that the valve is on one side and not in contact with body. Cotton are made wrapped with bandage. These are placed under bony prominences such as heels and fastened in place if necessary. Purposes:- To lift the hips from bed to prevent bed sores. To prevent direct pressure on bony prominences. To improve circulation After hemorrhoidectomy.
Bed Cradle These very widely in size and in material. These are of wooden ,metal or electronic. The bed cradle support and take off the weight of top bedding. These are semicircular in shape made of wood and metal. Purposes:- To prevent the top cloth if coming in contact with the patients specially burn patients. To apply heat in case of drying plaster cast. Electronic bed are used to supply the desired warm in case of shock.
Bed blocks These are made up of wood, it may be high or low. These are placed under the foot of bed for various regions. Purposes:- To prevent shock. To arrest hemorrhage. To retain enema. After spinal anesthesia. After tonsillectomy. To provide traction. To position in postural drainage. To give trendlenberg position.
Air cushion They are round in shape and made up of rubber. These can be inflated with air. These are used to take off the weight of body. Air cushion should not be applied directly in contact with skin. They should have a cover. Purposes:- To relieve pressure on certain parts of body. To promote comfort of client.