body mechanic

Question 1

What is a proper alignment of a body

Answer 1

• wide stable base while standing/lifing
• feet below shoulders , shoulders over hips
• move feet when turning, dont twist back
• work at waist level

Question 2

What is the centre of gravity?

Answer 2

• Point at which the body is balanced
  Men: locate in the center of pelvis
  Women : locate in the center of abdomen

most stable when centre of gravity is aligned with its base of support

Question 3

What are the 5 types of injuries?

Answer 3

1) tension
2) compression
3) shear
4) torsional
5) bending

Question 4

Def of tension?

Answer 4

equal and opposite force/load applied away from surface of structure –> lengthening, narrowing

Question 5

def of compression?

Answer 5

equal + opposite load applied toward surface –> shortening , widening

Question 6

def of sheering?

Answer 6

load appiled parallel to surface in 2 opposite direction

Question 7

def of torsion?

Answer 7

twist

Question 8

def of bending?

Answer 8

combination of compression and tension

Question 9

What are the rules of good body mechanics?

Answer 9

• broad base of support (10-20 cm), weight equally distributed
• bend at knees, keep back straight, no bending at waist
• keep load close to body
• use arm, leg muscles

Question 10

What are the factors that need to be considered before helping a patient?

Answer 10

1) mobility
2) strength /endurance
3) balance

4) motivation
5) understanding
6) physiological condition

Question 11

What questions are included in the mobility assessment?

Answer 11

1) can patient communicate with you>?
2) can patient follow commands?
3) is patient cooperative?
4) is patient behavior non aggressive?
5) is patient free from pain/medical device?

Question 12

Def of transfer?

Answer 12

**guiding the patient moving from 1 surface to another

*patient is able to bear weight or use assertive device

Question 13

Def of lift?

Answer 13

**patient’s entire body is bore by someone or machines

Question 14

What are the rules of transfer?

Answer 14

1) ask if they could assist
2) ensure they are wearing non-slip shoes
3) move them across shortest distance

4) let patient know with instruction , get consent
5) ask for help

6) be careful of IV, tubes, lines
7) help the weaker, have the use the stronger side
8) pull , never push patient

9) lock wheels on bed
10) mindful of pressure ulcer

Question 15

When to use mechanical lift?

Answer 15

• patient is unable to assist
• patient maybe cognitively impaired or uncooperative
• large or heavy patients

Question 16

What is the good posture when standing

Answer 16

• avoid slouching
• stay close to patient, dont lean forward
• bend knees and maintain nature 3 curvatures

Question 17

What are some variation of patient’s position?

Answer 17

1) fowlers: 30 -45 degree
- high-fowler 90 degree
- semi fowler 20 degree
2) trendelenburg
-head of bed down to 30 -45 degree
Reverse trendelenburg
- foot of bed down to 30 - 45 degree

Question 18

What are the basic rules of body mechanics

Answer 18

1. good base of support
2. keep load close to the body
3. keep back straight, shoulder and hips parallel, pelvic tilt
4. keep knees bent
5. keep arms locked

Question 19

Why is it necessary to move patient?

Answer 19

1. prevent decubitus ulcer
   - patient with acute condition –> move every 30 mins
   - patient without acute condition –> move every 2hrs
2. for patient comfort , improve blood circulation
3. necessary for patient transfer or other activity

Question 20

What are the precaution for during and after patient transfer?

Answer 20

• ensure integrity of attached equipment (catheter, IV)- make sure they aren’t pinched or disconnected
• make sure patient is safe before leaving them
• stretcher rails are up and locked, wheelchairs brakes are engaged
• use additional care and caution when positioning or moving patient who is mentally incompetent