Biomechanics, Patient Transfers & Immobilization Techniques Flashcards
Define biomechanics:
The action of forces on bodies at rest or in motion.
What are the fundamental concepts to good patient handling techniques?
- Base of support (BOS)
- Center of gravity (COG)
- Mobility and stability muscles
Define BOS and where the area is located?
base of support
It is the foundation on which a body rests.
BOS is the area between the feet, including the plantar surface area, in a standing position.
What is essential for stability?
A wide base of support is essential for stability.
What things improves and enlarges the BOS?
Standing with the feet farther apart enlarges the BOS.
Standing with both feet flat on the floor improves the base of support.
Where is the center of gravity located in the body?
At level of second sacral segment.
What makes moving heavy objects easier and safer?
If the object is held close to the mover’s COG and if the body’s center of gravity is over its base of support.
When does instability happen?
Instability results when the COG moves beyond the boundaries of the BOS.
What are the mobility muscles?
The extremity muscles
What are the stability (postural) muscles?
Torso Muscles
What muscles should a technologist use for lifiting?
Mobility muscles
What muscles should a technologist use for support?
Postural muscles
What should the radiogy technologist body postition be when lifting patients?
Lifting should be done by bending and straightening the knees with the back straight or in a position of slightly increased lumbar lordosis. When actually lifting patients, keep the back stationary and let the legs do all the lifting.
Where should the patients center of gravity be when being lifted?
The patient’s center of gravity should be held close to the mover’s center of gravity.
When preforming transfers on a patient, what tool should you have close by?
Having a transfer belt handy is a good practice when planning to perform transfers.
List 3 lifting principles for the patient:
- Secure loose clothing on the patient
- Always inform the patient of what you are going to do and how you intend to proceed
- Execute the transfer slowly enough for the patient to feel secure.
What should you do once the patient is standing after helping to lift them up?
After the patient is standing, help him or her to pivot around to a bed or X-ray table and to sit down.
What should you never assume about patients?
That they are aware of their abilites
Who is responsible for the move of a patient and the decision on how that is done?
The radiographer-Can be held liable for incorrect transfer
What are the introduction and moving steps for a patient?
General
- Establish the identity of the patient first and introduce yourself.
- Verify the patients’ ability to move and comply with the exam. Request patient information regarding any restrictions or precautions.
- Obtain adequate help, if necessary.
- Move the patient accordingly.
What 5 things should you look for when assesing a patients mobility?
- The patient’s general condition
- Immobility or limitations in range of joint motion
- The ability to walk and weight bear
- Respiratory, cardiovascular and/or musculoskeletal problems
- Attached equipment such as IV pump, urinary catheter
What other assesment considerations should be made?
(After explaining the transfer to the patient)
- Strength and endurance
- Balance
- Patient understands what is expected during transfer
- Patient accepts the transfer
- Medication history
What is the condition that causes a drop in blood pressure when a person stands too quickly?
Orthostatic Hypotension
When does orthostatic hypotension become increasinly serious?
When a patient has been recumbent for a long period of time.
Physiologically, what happens to the brain when a patient who has orthostatic hypotension rises too quickly?
Rising too quickly can deprive patients of oxygen rich blood to the brain
What are the symptoms of orthosatic hypotension?
Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision and slurred speech
What should be done for a patient with orthostatic hypotension when getting them to stand?
- Have the patient stand slowly
- Encourage the patient to talk by asking simple questions
- If signs occur, slow the speed of the transfer and ask the patient to take slow, deep breaths.
- Do not send a symptomatic patient away and risk having the patient faint on the way to his or her room.
When preforming a transfer with a team, should there be someone in charge?
Yes someone should take charge, but work as a team
Make sure to review transfer proceedures with the team
For a wheelchair transfer of a patient, what key principles should you always do to keep the patient safe/unharmed?
- Assess patient condition.
- Determine patient’s strong and weak sides
- Always position the patient so that he or she transfers toward the strong side.
- Lock wheelchair locks and move footrests out of the way
If a patient in a wheelchair needs assistance, what steps should be taken to help them?
- Remove or swing away leg rests
- Position wheelchair at a 45 degree angle to the table and make sure the locks are engaged
- Estabilish a wide BOS for your stability and hold patients COG near yours
For a patient in a wheelchair:
What should be done to reduce stress to a patient’s shoulder girdle when lifting them with a transfer belt?
Hold paitient with the transfer belt around their wasit
What are the four types of wheelchair transfers?
- Standby assist
- Assisted standing pivot
- Two-person lift
- Hydraulic lift