Chapter 3 Flashcards
Constant abuse of the spine from moving and lifting patients is the leading cause of injury to health care personnel in all health care institutions.
Body mechanics
Center gravity/To prevent lower back injury
Always keep the center of gravity
Knees flexed
Weight over both feet
Do not bend @ the waist or wrist with the body
Rules of body mechanics
Based on laws of gravity
Force pull object toward center of earth
Gravity
Center of gravity
Point @ mass of any body is centered
Pt standing to center gravity @ pelvis center
Body is in alignment with all the parts in balance
Aids in other body systems to work efficiently
Knees slightly bent – act as shock absorbers
Good posture
Safe body mechanics
Require good posture
Lifting pt
Stand with feet apart to increase base of support
Rules for correct upright posture
Stand w/feet // right angle to lower legs 4-8”
Chest up and out to allow the lungs to work at maximal efficiency
Force of friction
opposes movement
When moving & lifting object
Force of weight & friction must overcome
Keep heaviest part of object closer to body
Bend knees & lower body
Do not bend from waist
Moving & transferring pt
If patient is unable to assist, have patient place arms across their chest
Pull rather than push
Sliding board or pull sheet placed under an immobile patient aids in movement
Avoid injury when moving heavy object
Keep body’s line of balance closet to center of the load
Which is a the strongest arm muscles and effective for pulling
Bicep muscles
Joint Commission states
“immobilizers should be used only after less restrictive measures have been attempted and have proved ineffective in protecting the patient”
Types of Immobilizers
Limb holders or four-point restraints Ankle or wrist immobilizers Immobilizing vest Keeps patient in a wheelchair Waist immobilizer Keeps patient safe on examining table or in a bed Patient is able to change positions
Immobilizers
“Restraints”
Method of physical or mechanical device or material attached to pt cannot remove easily
Skin breakdown
result in a decubitus ulcer
What causes tissue necrosis?
Immobilizing a patient in one position for an extended period of time
Moving a patient too quickly or without adequate protection can damage skin
Friction caused by
movement back and forth on a rough or uneven surface
Lying on a damp sheet or wet gown can damage skin
To Prevent Decubitus Ulcers
Areas most susceptible
Scapula, sacrum, trochanters, knees, heels of the feet
Change position often
Place pillow or soft blanket under patient
Protect patient’s feet and lower legs during a position change or transfer
Care to prevent bruising while moving patient is necessary
Watch circulation impairment
Made of plaster, fiberglass, plastic or cast-tape material
Depends on injury
Length of time for immobilization
Physician’s preference
Careful of cast compression
Caution when moving a patient with a cast
Cast Care & Traction
Lying on the right/left side with both knees flexed
Lateral recumbent position
Pt semi-sits with head raised @ 45-90 angle
Used for respiratory distress
High Fowler position
Pt head is raised @ 15-30 degree angle
Used to prevent circulatory impairment
Semi-Fowler position
Lies on either left or right side with forward arm flexed & post. arm extended behind the body.
Top knee sharply bent
Bottom knee slightly bent
BE exam
Sims position
Table/bed is inclined
Pt head is lower than feet
Trendelenburg position
Walking or able to walk
Ambulatory
Decrease in the size of the organ, tissue or muscle
Atrophy
A pressure sore or ulcer
Decubitus ulcer
Labored or difficult breathing
Dyspnea
Deficiency of blood in a body part due to functional constriction or actual obstruction of a blood vessel
Ischemia
Localized death of tissue due to injury
Lack of oxygen
Tissue necrosis
Area of tissue necrosis that penetrates below the epidermis
Excavation of the surface of any body organ
Ulceration
