Body Mechanics And Positioning Flashcards
Where is a person’s centre of gravity located?
- Pelvic area
- Body weight is approximately distributed equally ( half above, half below ), both horizontally and vertically
How to lift heavy objects?
Bend at knees and hips and keep back straight so centre of gravity remains over feet, maintaining balance and stability
How should the feet be positioned?
- Wide base but not too far apart
- Knees should be flexed slightly to absorb jolts. Feet, are moved to turn object being moved.
Line of gravity: explain! Why is it important?
Imaginary line from top of head, centre of gravity and base of support. Equal weight on each side
→ essential for maintaining balance, and preventing muscle strain
Positioning client: why is it important to remain mobile?
- Reduces risk of pressure ulcers,blood clots, constipation, muscle weakness, atrophy, pneumonia, joint deformities, mental disorders
Important client positions: supine
Dorsal recumbent (lying on the back )
Prone
Lying on abdomen
Sims’
Lying on side (usually left with upper knee flexed )
Fowler’S
Lying on back with elevated head
Lying on back with feet in stirrups
Dorsal lithotomy
Lying on side
Lateral
Range of motion
All joints have specific but limited Rom ( range of motion )
Contracture
Continuous contraction of muscles that move bones of joint
Passive rom
→ if client is unable to move, nurse will perform passive Rom exercise
Active Rom: isometric exercises
AROM is when client is performing self directed exercise
Isometric: exercises by tightening or releasing certain muscle groups
Transfer belt
→ know also as gait belt
→ sturdy wedded belt with easily securable buckle around waist
Cane vs walker vs crutches
Cane: supports balance and helps client to walk / can be adjusted
Walker: tripod (3 feet), quad cane (4 feet), standard straight legged cane /provider support for those who cannot walk with cane
Crutches: walking aids made of wood/ metal. Reach from ground to patient’s axillae or forearm
Paraplegia
Inability or paralyzation from waist down
Hemiplegia
Paralyzed or one side of body, usually because of cardiovascular accident (stroke)
How to move immobile client
Use transfer board or lifting sheet
