Chapter 14-Ergonomic Principles

Question 1

Center of gravity when in an upright position?

Answer 1

Pelvis

Question 2

How to increase stability and balance?

Answer 2

Bend the hips and knees to lower center of gravity. Spread feet apart as well.

Question 3

Lifting

Answer 3

Use major muscle groups to prevent back strain

Use assistive devices whenever possible

Question 4

Pushing or pulling

Answer 4

Widen your base of support

If possible it’s better to pull than to push

If pushing move foot forward, if pulling move leg back to promote stability

Avoid twisting

Question 5

Guidelines for preventing injury

Answer 5

Always get help if possible

Know policies and procedures for lifting and safe client handling

Plan ahead

Prepare environment by removing obstacles

Make sure client knows their role

Rest between heavy activities to decrease muscle fatigue

Maintain good posture and exercise regularly to increase strength

Keep head and neck and straight line with pelvis

Use smooth movements when lifting

When sitting for long periods keep your knees slightly higher than your hips

Avoid repetitive movements/take break every 15 to 20 minutes to flex and stretch

Avoid twisting your spine or bending at the waist

Question 6

Semi Fowler’s

Answer 6

Patient laying supine with head of bed elevated 15 to 45°, typically 30°.

Question 7

Fowlers

Answer 7

Client laying supine with head of bed elevated 45° to 60°.

Question 8

High Fowlers

Answer 8

Client lying supine with head of bed elevated 60° to 90°.

Question 9

Supine or dorsal recumbent

Answer 9

Client lies on their back with head and shoulders elevated on a pillow and forearms on a pillow or at their sides.

Question 10

Prone

Answer 10

Client lives flat on their abdomen and chest with the head to one side and back and correct alignment

Question 11

Lateral or side lying

Answer 11

Client lies on their side with most of the weight on the dependent hip and shoulder and the arms in flexion in front of the body.

Question 12

Sims or semi prone

Answer 12

Client lies on their side halfway between lateral and prone position with the weight on their interior ileum, humerus, and clavicle. Lower arm is behind them while the upper arm is in front. Both legs are in flexion but the upper leg is flexed at a greater angle than the lower leg at the hip as well as at the knee. Commonly used for enemas.

Question 13

Orthopneic

Answer 13

Client sits in the bed or at the bedside with a pillow on the over bed table, which is across the clients lap. They rest their arms on overhead table.

Question 14

Trendelenburg

Answer 14

Entire bed is tilted with the head of the bed lower than the foot of the bed

Question 15

Reverse Trendelenburg

Answer 15

Entire bed is tilted with the foot of the bed lower than the head of the bed

Question 16

Modified Trendelenburg

Answer 16

Client remains flat with the legs above the level of their heart