Rarely do patients realize how much they can do to help or even hinder their hospital recovery.
A small act such as coughing can make a big difference.
A sedentary or inactive patient lack of mobility will cause lung secretions to build up resulting in pneumonia, thus increasing their hospital stay when frequently and vigorously coughing, even when they do not feel the need to do so, will help activate the lungs and the removal of the secretions.
An inspirometer is generally assigned to hospital patients to help them with their breathing after a long surgery.
If you are not given one, request it.
The deeper you breath, the higher the ball within the inspirometer will rise.
This is excellent exercise and one of the best ways to recapture your lung capacity following surgery.
Your lungs will thank you and you will aid in reducing your hospital stay.
Optimal hospital recovery requires a partnership between the professional hospital staff and you, the recovering patient.
Communication is an extremely key factor.
Here are some activities you can perform which will aid in speeding your recovery in the hospital.
If you are confined to the bed, ask one of the nurses or the physical therapist on duty for ankle, leg, and feet exercises you can do such as feet flexes, ankle rotations and leg lifts to maintain lower body strength.
Ask a nurse or a hospital aide for assistance getting out of bed.
Falls are among the largest recovering patient injury which results in extended hospital stays.
The majority of these falls occur when patients attempt to get out of bed to go to the bathroom or while in the bathroom.
Pain killers, diuretics, laxatives, sedatives, and other drugs prescribed to and taken by the patient can increase their risk of falling and injuring themselves.
Keeping your bed in its lowest position is helpful but ringing the nurses' station for assistance is always best.
Staying hydrated helps to prevent blood clots and increase your body flow of secretions.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout your hospital stay.
Poor nutrition hampers the immune system, increasing the possibility of medical complications.
Eat nutritiously.
Request the foods you like and ask to talk with the hospital dietitian if you have concerns or are constantly presented with food selections which are not appetizing to you.
Sleep is a great healer and something many patients fail to get enough of during their hospital stay.
Wearing earplugs and an eye mask will aid in creating a more serene environment for you.
You should also discuss with the floor nursing staff your normal sleep schedule so they can adjust the timing of your medications to prevent night time interruptions.
After the doctors have done their job successfully, recovery from your hospital related discomfort is mostly in your hands.
Listed here are only a few steps to help you speed up your hospital recovery.
Your state of mind is another important factor.
There is some truth to "think well and you will be well" cliché.
Communication is the key to faster hospital recovery.
Self communication as well as open communication with the hospitals staff will have you back up on your feet in no time.