Re: Early ambulation for patient underwent skin grafting
Hey...
I'm responding the question about ambulation. First, I'm just completing my 1st year as a burn nurse straight out of nursing school. I work on a certified burn / trauma center (but technicalities make us not a "real" trauma center)
Anyway, we do 1st drsg changes 3 days after grafting. If the area is like B LE in full coban drsg than they basically aren't walking. But if its 1 leg and we can help them ambulate to say the bathroom we do....they aren't on the total bedrest thing. But, they will be non-weight bearing on the extremity until 1st change so the graft can have time to take. But, we will put them in the shower chair if the affected leg can hang out....of course all w/ assistance. But 5 Days!!!! My goodness....I'm new at this, but I've heard if a graft will take it will take in 24-48 hrs. Not positive of that though.
Hope that helps a little. I'd say if it was a dime size thing and only one leg, I mean use crutches? We certainly believe in rehab asap...its better for the patient.
FYI I finished a 1st change and was like c'mon now walk back to your room. We encourage rehab and utilaztion of grafted area as tolerated as encouraged, asap!
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