2: Manual handling Flashcards
List 4 major events in the manual handling history
1850- lifting patients- absolutely prohibited
1980- Sholder or Australian lift
1995- O’Shea no lift
- no previous focus on back care to control risks of lifting.
- created as an attempt to combat high injury rates
2001- Crossing the quality chasm
“Patients should not be harmed by the care that us intended to them, nor should harm come to those who work in healthcare”
List some examples of manual handling practices
- lifting
- throwing
- Carrying
- restraining
- Maintaining awkward postures
most job involve some kind of manual handling and therefore an injury risk.
What factors increase risk of injury when manual handling
- Duration
- frequency
- complecity
- when patients involved (they are unpredictable)
Common injuries from manual handling
- injuries to supporting structures such as back (muscles, ligaments and intervertebral discs resulting in strains, sprains and prolapses of the intervertebral disc)
- injuries to soft tissues e.g. nerves, ligaments and tendons in limbs and neck.
- abdominal hernias and weakened abdominal muscles from raised intraabdominal pressure when lifting
- Chronic pain conditions as a result of various injuries sustained through manual handling.
define a musculoskeletal disorder and give some examples
an injury, illness or disease that arises in whole or part from manual handling in the workplace, whether occurring suddenly or over a prolonged period of time.
e. g.
- repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)
- Cumulative Trauma Disorder
Explain “nurses back”, and what the consequences of it can be.
most back injuries occur due to cumulative strain.
- disc prolapse or rupture can occur without warning.
- can have life long consequences
- pain, sleep deprivation and loss of income can result.
Identify some regulation to decrease MHI’s
Occupational health and safety act.
Duties of Employers
- must try to provide a safe working environment for employees.
Duties of employee
- take care of their own health + safety
- take care of others
- cooperate with others
Why is it important to comply with OHS rules?
- proven to prevent risks
- stay in the profession longer
- less fatigue and more energy on shifts
- gets injured staff back to work sooner
- will jeopardise law claims if you are injured when doing wrong
- may be disciplined for unsafe procedures
- encourage person to be independent to reduce your risks
- only in life threatening situation should no lift policy be modified.
Patient handling risk assessment (PHRAT)
screen patient for MH risk by;
- independence
- Required supervision
- Ability to assist
- Not able to assist
if required assistance, flag on the care plan
obtain necessary equipment to provide care
review care plan w/ each task
Criteria for able to assist on both bed and off bed tasks
on bed
- cooperate and comprehend instructions
- move own body weight
(if both no met 2 people is required)- not able to assist
Off bed - cooperate and understand - stand unsupported and balance - no recent history of falls (if all are not met min of 2 nurses need to help)-not able to assist
Explain some of the principles of manual handling
- reduce where possible and promote independence
- provide self-care aids to facilitate patient movement
- do not become linked/connected/grabbed by patient
- use bed mechanics to make movement easier
transfer at the same level or to lower level - push rather then pull of lift
reduce reaching and shoulder aduction.
always stop to think about the task first and if there is a better way to perform it.
speak up so you don’t put yourself at risk
What checks should be done on equipment before using it?
1- check you know how to use it
3- check you know the safe operating procedure for that piece of equipment
2- check its condition
Describe slide sheets
- minimum of 2 nurse/midwife
- minimum of 2 sheets must be used
- moves up or down the bed
Describe transfer hoist
- minimum 2 nurse/midwife
- transfer patients locations
- consider injuries (e.g. fractures)
- ensure patient education about what will proceed
Describe the HoverMatt and HoverJack
- minimum 2 nurse/midwife
- transfer patient from one location to another
- return the patient to bed after fall
Describe the standing lifter
- must be able to bear weight through legs
- wearing appropriate shoes
- able to follow instructions
should not be fatigued or tired
Describe the overheard tracking
ensure right sling (weight ratio) is attached to hoist
- know the patient weight and safe working limit
- prepare equipment to reduce hang time
Describe the overhead trapeze bar
- ensure the device is properly attached and not falty
- know safe work limit
- adjust strap length
consider appropriateness for patients injuries
Describe the bed mechanics
- use bed adjustability to advantage and comfort.
- know safe working limit
- ensure patient fits in bed with room to move.
List reasons why nurses and midwives continue to get injured at work
1- Noncompliance areas of concern
- incorrect use/lack of use of slide sheets
- not putting bed to the right height
- not enough staff to assist with simple tasks
staff not creating a tidy and safe environment
- Staff allowing patients to hold them during tasks
2- non-patient manual handling - cluttered store rooms - pushing wheelchairs with flat tires - overloading linen skips - pushing beds or trolley manually - carrying patient vital sign monitor machines adopting awkward positions.
Bariatric definition
= a patient 120kg + (35+ BMI)
special considerations must be done
morbidly obese= internally accepted term for 120kg+
Must know the weight, height, width (hip to hip, foot to foot)
Why does manual handling a bariatric patient increase risks of injury
- their weight and width puts you in compromising positions
- additional devices may be necessary
What are the risk factors or falls?
age= dramatically increase over 65+ sensory imparement gender= males (occupation) Cognitive state Medication= can effect blood pressure
