Body Mechanics

Question 1

What are the three principles that sum up correct body mechanics?

Answer 1

1. keep a low center of gravity
   → by flexing the hips & knees instead of bending at the waist
   → this distributes weight evenly between the upper & lower body & helps maintain balance
2. create a wide base of support
   → by spreading the feet apart
   → this tactic provides lateral stability & lowers body’s center of gravity
3. maintain proper body alignment
   → keep the body’s center of gravity directly over the base of support by moving the feet rather than twisting & bending at the waist

Question 2

How is balance maintained?

Answer 2

When the line of gravity falls close to the base of support

Question 3

When is balance disrupted?

Answer 3

When the line of gravity falls at the edge of the base of support

Question 4

Balance cannot be maintained when …

Answer 4

The line of gravity falls outside the base of support

Question 5

What are body mechanics?

Answer 5

It is the efficient use of the musculoskeletal system

Question 6

Why are body mechanics important?

Answer 6

• to increase muscle effectiveness
• reduce fatigue
• avoid injuries

Question 7

Body mechanics in nursing

Answer 7

To avoid injury, nurses must use proper body mechanics when lifting, turning or positioning a client. This includes getting help when needed.

Question 8

What are the nursing guidelines in using good body mechanics?

Answer 8

1. use the longest, strongest muscles of the arms & legs
2. when lifting a heavy load, center it over the feet
3. hold objects close to the body
4. bend the knees & keep the back straight
5. push, pull or roll objects rather than lifting
6. rest between periods of exertion

Question 9

Posture

Answer 9

Position of the body or the way in which it is held

Question 10

Alignment

Answer 10

Parts of an object being in proper relationship to one another

Question 11

What is ROM?

Answer 11

It is the extent of movement that a joint is normally capable of

Question 12

What is the significance of ROM?

Answer 12

1. it keeps the patient in the best physical shape possible
2. increases joint mobility
3. increase circulation to affected part
4. maintains normal joint movement
5. increases flexibility
6. relieves stiffness

Question 13

What do we call the position where the patient is lying down supine with the head of the bed raised 30 degrees?

Answer 13

Low fowler or semi fowler position

Question 14

What do we call the position where the patient is sitting slightly forward with his arms resting on the bed table?

Answer 14

Orthopneic position

Question 15

What do we call the position where the patient is lying down flat on his back?

Answer 15

Dorsal recumbent position

Question 16

What do we call the position where the patient is lying flat on their stomach?

Answer 16

Prone position

Question 17

What do we call the position where the patient is lying on their side with a flexed leg?

Answer 17

Lateral position

Question 18

What do we call the position where the patient is in between lateral and prone position?

Answer 18

Sim’s position