4. Body Mechanics, Patient Transfer and Skin Care

Question 1

BODY MECHANICS

Answer 1

• Base of support
• Center of Gravity
• Line of Gravity

Question 2

PATIENT TRANSFER

Answer 2

-Bed to Wheelchair and
vice versa
-Special Conditions

Question 3

SKIN CARE

Answer 3

Decubitus Ulcer Casts

Question 4

The principles of proper body alignment,

movement, and balance

Answer 4

Body Mechanics

Question 5

This is the portion of the body
in contact with the floor or other
horizontal surface

Answer 5

Base of Support

Question 6

Center of body weight; This is the point around which body weight is
balanced

Answer 6

Center of Gravity

Question 7

This is an imaginary vertical line

passing through the center of gravity

Answer 7

Line of Gravity

Question 8

5 Rules of Body Mechanics

Answer 8

1. Provide a broad base of support.
2. Work at a comfortable height.
3. When lifting, bend your knees and keep
   your back straight.
4. Keep your load well-balanced and
   close to your body.
5. Roll or push a heavy object. Avoid
   pulling or lifting

Question 9

Preparing for a Safe Patient Transfer

Answer 9

-Check with nursing service.
-Obtain the chart unless electronic medical records are used.
-Check patient identification.
-Plan what you are going to do and prepare your work area.
-Obtain equipment and check it for safety and function.
-Check the area for equipment attached to the patient.
-A urinary collection bag, IV fluids, and pump may need to be transferred; oxygen
or suction may need to be discontinued.
-Enlist the patient’s help and cooperation. Remember to tell the patient what you
are doing as you proceed.
-Obtain additional help when necessary. Ensure that your assistants understand
their roles in the transfer plan.

Question 10

Special Conditions for
Wheelchair Transfer
Stroke Patients

Answer 10

-Stroke patients usually have
weakness on one side of the
body.
-Strong side must be adjacent
to the bed/table

Question 11

Special Conditions for
Wheelchair Transfer
Fractures of Lower Extremity

Answer 11

-Lower-extremity fractures
limit a patient’s ability to
bear weight
-Strong side must be adjacent
to the bed/table

Question 12

Special Conditions for
Wheelchair Transfer
Spinal Trauma or Spinal Surgery

Answer 12

-Patient should sit from a
lateral recumbent position
-When lying down, the patient
should lie first on one side
then turn to supine position

Question 13

Special Conditions for
Wheelchair Transfer
Patients who can’t stand safely

Answer 13

-Procedure may be
performed while seated in
the wheelchair
-Two- or three-person lift

Question 14

bed sore/pressure ulcer; skin or soft tissue
injuries that form due to prolonged pressure
exerted over specific areas of the body

Answer 14

Decubitus Ulcer

Question 15

The areas most susceptible are the
scapulae, the sacrum, the trochanters, the
knees, and the heels of the feet

Answer 15

Decubitus Ulcer

Question 16

immobility, pressure, shearing force, friction

Answer 16

Decubitus Ulcer

Question 17

death of body tissue

Answer 17

Tissue Necrosis

Question 18

cell death occurs because of lack
of oxygen and interrupted blood
supply

Answer 18

Tissue Necrosis

Question 19

a condition in which the blood
flow (and thus oxygen) is restricted
or reduced in a part of the body

Answer 19

Ischemia

Question 20

transient increase in organ blood flow that

occurs following a brief period of ischemia

Answer 20

Reactive Hyperemia

Question 21

Preventing Decubitus

Ulcer

Answer 21

-Change in position (usually every
30mins - 2 hrs)
-Patient should be kept clean and dry
-Take precautions in moving patient
-Take precautions to prevent bruising

Question 22

may be made of plaster, fiberglass,

plastic, or cast-tape materials

Answer 22

Casts

Question 23

Compression of a ___ may place pressure
on the patient’s skin under the cast, and
may eventually lead to the formation of
decubitus ulcer

Answer 23

cast

Question 24

may cause circulatory

impairment or nerve compression

Answer 24

Tight cast

Question 25

Signs of Impaired Circulation

Answer 25

• Pain
• Coldness
• Numbness
• Burning or tingling of fingers or toes
• Swelling
• Skin color changes (to a pale or bluish color)
• Inability to move fingers or toes
• Decrease in or absence of pulse