Abstract

AZEVEDO, Paulo Manuel Dias da Silva et al. Functional dependence at discharge from the intensive care unit: relevance for rehabilitation nursing. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2019, vol.serIV, n.20, pp.37-45. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV18084.

Background: Stays in the intensive care unit can cause adverse effects that lead to situations of functional disability, which persist for a long time. Early rehabilitation can prevent or limit such situations. Objectives: To characterize the functional level and dependencies at discharge from intensive care. To assay the timing for initiating rehabilitation nursing interventions. Methodology: Descriptive/exploratory study, quantitative method, in a sample of 30 patients. Results: Average of Medical Research Council value was 27 (first evaluation) and 38 (at discharge). The mean value of the Functional Independence Measure, in the area of self-care, mobility / transfers was 2. The first intervention of rehabilitation nursing occurred, on average, on the 10th day and the patient got out of bed after 13 days. Conclusion: At discharge, there were high levels of functional dependence at the level of basic self-care and mobility/transfers, and their characterization should be improved for the continuity of rehabilitation care. Early mobilization of critical patients is necessary.

Keywords : rehabilitation; self-care; muscle weakness; functional recovery.