Final answer:
To mitigate the hazards of immobility to the cardiovascular system, strategies such as maintaining fluid balance, reducing cardiac workload, and mitigating the risk of deep vein thrombosis can be employed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To mitigate the hazards of immobility to the cardiovascular system, in addition to early ambulation, there are several strategies that can be employed:
- Maintain fluid balance: Ensuring proper hydration is important to maintain blood volume and prevent complications such as dehydration and low blood pressure.
- Reduce cardiac workload: It is recommended to avoid the Valsalva maneuver, which is holding your breath and straining, as it increases the workload on the heart. Breathing out during exertion helps reduce cardiac workload.
- Mitigate risk of DVT: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common risk when immobile. To mitigate this risk, foot, ankle, and leg exercises can help stimulate blood flow. Additionally, the use of TED hoses, anticoagulants, and avoiding leg crossing can help prevent DVT.