Leg Exercises

Goal: The patient the patient and/or significant other verbalizes an understanding of the instructions related to leg exercises and is able to demonstrate the activities.

1. Check the patient’s chart for the type of surgery and review the medical orders.

2. Gather the necessary supplies and bring to the bedside stand or overbed table.

3. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

4. Identify the patient.

5. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible. Explain what you are going to do and why you are going to do it to the patient.

6. Identify the patient’s learning needs. Identify the patient’s level of knowledge regarding leg exercises. If the patient has had surgery before, ask about this experience.

7. Explain the rationale for performing leg exercises.

8. Provide teaching regarding leg exercises.

a. Assist or ask the patient to sit up (semi-Fowler’s position) and explain to the patient that you will first demonstrate, and then coach him/her to exercise one leg at a time.
b. Straighten the patient’s knee, raise the foot, extend the lower leg, and hold this position for a few seconds. Lower the entire leg. Practice this exercise with the
other leg.
c. Assist or ask the patient to point the toes of both legs toward the foot of the bed, then relax them. Next, flex or pull the toes toward the chin.
d. Assist or ask the patient to keep legs extended and to make circles with both ankles, first circling to the left and then to the right. Instruct the patient to repeat these exercises three times.

9. Validate the patient’s understanding of information. Ask the patient to give a return demonstration. Ask the patient if he or she has any questions. Encourage the patient to practice the activities and ask questions, if necessary.

10. Remove PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.