Which is a primary LTCH goal?

Which is a primary LTCH goal?

• A. Increase ventilator dependence
• B. Shorten functional mobility
• C. Prevent decline from prolonged bed rest
• D. Reduce family involvement

Answer: (C)

Preventing decline from prolonged bed rest is a primary LTCH goal. When patients are immobile for extended periods, rapid deconditioning occurs—muscle weakness, reduced cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, skin breakdown, and loss of functional abilities. The emphasis in long-term care hospitals is to maintain and improve mobility and function to prevent this decline and to support safe discharge and ongoing independence as much as possible. The other ideas would not align with rehab goals: increasing ventilator dependence would worsen recovery and prolong dependency; shortening functional mobility would undermine rehabilitation and overall independence; reducing family involvement can hinder support and effective discharge planning.

Preventing decline from prolonged bed rest is a primary LTCH goal. When patients are immobile for extended periods, rapid deconditioning occurs—muscle weakness, reduced cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, skin breakdown, and loss of functional abilities. The emphasis in long-term care hospitals is to maintain and improve mobility and function to prevent this decline and to support safe discharge and ongoing independence as much as possible.

The other ideas would not align with rehab goals: increasing ventilator dependence would worsen recovery and prolong dependency; shortening functional mobility would undermine rehabilitation and overall independence; reducing family involvement can hinder support and effective discharge planning.