Body Mechanics and Bed Mobility Flashcards
Proper body mechanics protect who?
The patient and yourself
What might impact how you set yourself up during a transfer?
Your individual characteristics (height, body shape, etc)
What are the 5 benefits of good body mechanics?
- Uses less energy
- Reduces strain on body tissues
- Produces safe, efficient movement
- Promotes control and balance
- Promotes effective respiration and cardiopulmonary function
What are the principles of body mechanics?
- Widen your base of support
- Lower your center of gravity
- Position your center of gravity close to the patient
- Maximize your momentum and strength
In order to maximize your momentum and strength you should do what?
- Keep a nurtural spine (contract your abdominal muscles to avoid arching your back)
- Have your power come from your hips and legs, not your arms
When your hips go _____, the patient’s go _____ - bend your knees!
down, up
What should you do rather than lifting?
Roll, push or pull
What should you avoid during a lift?
Simultaneous flexion and rotation (Don’t twist!)
Maintain _____ and _____ movements.
Smooth, Steady
What are some things to consider when moving your patient?
- Cognitive status of the patient
- Physical abilities of the patient
- Pain
- Purpose of activity
- Using biomechanical advantage
- Empowering patient
What is typically the first step in patient mobility?
Bed mobility
What is the purpose of bed mobility? (there are 4)
- Begin patient movement
- Increase independence
- Reduce risk of pressure injuries and contractures
- Begin readying the patient for interaction with the environment
If you are moving the patient up in bed what should you do to prep for the movement?
- Adjust the bed to bring the patient closed to your center of gravity
- Make sure the head of the bed is flat
- Remove the pillows from under the head and shoulders if possible
- Ask the patient to assume hook-lying position (hip flexion, knee flexion)
- Face the patients head and stand at mid-chest level (foot closest to the head of the patient should be pointing in the direction)
- If receiving assistance, coordinate movement by counting out loud
- Using a draw sheet, grasp the sheet at the furthest end and as close to the patient as possible
- When moving the patient upwards, upper part of the bed should be lowered if possible
If you are moving the patient down in bed what should you do to prep for the movement?
- Move the patient closer to you or near the edge of the bed or mat with partially flexed hips and knees
- Position yourself either at the patients feet or position that enables you to grasp the patients hips or in the directions you are going (towards the foot of the bed)
- Cradle and lift the pelvis slightly before you slide the patients upper body or head downwards
- Move 6-10 inches then reposition yourself and the patients LEs if further movement is needed
- Use a draw sheet if available (reverse of supine upwards technique)
A stable pelvic position is needed for what?
Sitting at the edge of the bed or chair to transfer
