Impaired Physical Mobility Nursing Care Plan: 2 Sample Plans and Interventions

Impaired physical mobility means a client has trouble moving their body or limbs on their own because of pain, weakness, injury, surgery, or a neurological problem. Immobility can lead to pressure injuries, blood clots, pneumonia, and constipation. Your priorities are safe movement, preventing complications, and building strength.

A · AssessmentD · DiagnosisP · PlanningI · InterventionE · Evaluation

Each care plan below follows the nursing process (ADPIE).

CARE PLAN 1 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Impaired Physical Mobility

Related to

Pain or recent surgery
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Activity restrictions or bed rest
Fear of falling

As evidenced by

Limited range of motion
Difficulty turning in bed or standing
Slow, unsteady gait
Needs help to transfer

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client turns in bed with help at least every 2 hours this shift
Client walks a set distance with an assistive device within 48 hours as ordered

Long-term goals

Client reaches their highest possible level of mobility by discharge
Client uses assistive devices safely at home

ASSESSMENT

Strength, range of motion, balance, and gait
Pain level before activity
Fall risk
Skin, lungs, and bowel function for complications of immobility

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Give pain medication as ordered about 30 minutes before activity	Less pain allows the client to move more.
Perform or assist with range of motion exercises at least twice a day	Movement keeps joints flexible and prevents contractures.
Use a gait belt and the correct number of staff for transfers	Safe handling protects both the client and the nurse.
Coordinate with physical therapy and teach correct use of walkers, canes, or crutches	Correct technique prevents falls and builds confidence.
Increase activity slowly, such as dangling at the bedside before standing	Gradual changes reduce dizziness from orthostatic hypotension.

EVALUATION

Client turns and moves with less help
Client walks the goal distance safely
Client uses assistive devices correctly

CARE PLAN 2 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Risk for Disuse Syndrome

Risk factors

Prolonged bed rest
Paralysis or severe weakness
Altered level of consciousness

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client stays free of pressure injuries, blood clots, and pneumonia during the hospital stay

Long-term goals

Client keeps normal joint movement and has no complications from immobility

ASSESSMENT

Skin over bony areas
Calves for warmth, swelling, redness, or pain
Lung sounds and SpO2
Bowel pattern

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Reposition every 2 hours	This prevents pressure injuries and helps the lungs expand.
Apply sequential compression devices and give anticoagulants as ordered	These prevent blood clots in the legs.
Encourage coughing, deep breathing, and incentive spirometer use	These keep the lungs open and prevent pneumonia.
Encourage fluids and fiber as allowed	These help prevent constipation from inactivity.

EVALUATION

Skin remains intact
No signs of blood clots
Lungs remain clear
Bowel movements are regular

Practice this in Everyday RN

Keep immobile clients turned, walking, and safe during a full 12-hour shift.

Play Everyday RN

Quick answers

How should a client hold a cane?

On the strong side. The client moves the cane and the weak leg forward together, then steps through with the strong leg.

Why have a client dangle their legs before standing for the first time after bed rest?

It gives the body time to adjust blood pressure and reduces the risk of dizziness and falls from orthostatic hypotension.

For learning only. Individualize every care plan to your client, and follow your program, current guidelines, provider orders, and facility policy.