Chapter 14 Ergonomic Principles Flashcards
What are body mechanics?
The proper use of muscles to maintain balance, posture and body alignment when performing a physical task.
What are ergonomics factors or qualities?
Contribute to comfort, safety efficiency and ease of use.
Why is a nurse responsible for positioning clients?
To maintain good body alignment. Frequent position changes prevent discomfort, pressure on tissue and circulatory damage.
What are some aids used to maintain proper body alignment for the client?
Pillows, bath blankets, hand rolls, boots, splints, trochanter rolls, ankle support.
When transferring a client an algorithm should be used to determine safest method. What questions should be in the algorithm?
Can the client bear weight?
Can the client assist?
Is the client cooperative?
Describe Semi-Fowler’s position:
The client lies supine with the head of the bed elevated approximately 30° knees may be slightly elevated.
What is the Semi-Fowler’s position frequently used to prevent?
Regurgitation of internal feedings and aspiration in clients who have difficulty swallowing.
Describe Fowlers position:
Client lies supine with the head of the bed slightly elevated approximately 45° knees may be slightly elevated.
Describe what Fowlers position is frequently used for:
Used during procedures such as nasogastric tube insertion and suctioning. Which allows for better chest expansion and ventilation, as well as better dependent draining after abdominal surgeries
Describe High-Fowler’s position:
Client lies supine with the head of the bed elevated approximately 90° knees may or may not be elevated.
What does High-Fowler’s position promote:
Lung expansion by lowering the diaphragm and is used for a client experiencing severe dyspnea.
Describe Supine or dorsal recumbent position:
Client lies on his back with his head and shoulders elevated on a pillow. In this position a foot support prevents foot drop and maintains proper alignment.
Describe Prone position:
Client lies flat on his abdomen with his head to one side.
What does Prone position promote?
It promotes drainage from the mouth of clients following throat or oral surgery but inhibits chest expansion
Describe lateral or side lying position:
Client lies on side with most of the weight on dependent hip and shoulder. Arms should be flexed in front of the body. Pillow is placed under his head and neck, the upper arm and under the leg and thigh to maintain body alignment.
What is lateral or side-lying position good for?
This position is a good sleeping position but the client must be turned regularly to prevent development of pressure ulcers on the dependent areas.
What position is recommended for clients at risk for pressure ulcers?
A 30° lateral position
Describe Sim’s or Semi-Prone position:
Client is on his side halfway between lateral and prone position. Weight is on the anterior ileum, humerus, and clavicle. Lower arm is behind the client while the upper arm is in front. Both legs are flexed but the upper leg flexed at a greater angle than the lower leg at the hip.
What is Sim’s or Semi-Prone position usually used for?
A comfortable sleeping position for many clients it promotes oral drainage
Describe Orthopneic position:
Client sits in the bed or at the bedside. Pillow is placed on the overhead table which is placed across the clients lap the client rests his arms on the over bed table.
What does Orthopneic position allow?
This position allows for trust expansion and is especially beneficial to clients who have COPD.
Describe Trendelenburg position:
The entire bed is tilted with the head of the bed lower than the foot of the bed.
What is Trendelenburg position used for?
Is used during postural drainage and it facilitates venous return.
Describe reverse Trendelenburg position:
The entire bed is tilted with the foot of the bed lower than the head of the bed.
What does reverse Trendelenburg position promote?
It promotes gastric emptying and prevents esophageal reflux.
Describe modified Trendelenburg position:
Client remains flat with legs elevated above the level of the heart.
What is the modified Trendelenburg position used to prevent?
It prevents and treats Hypovolemia and facilitates venous return.
