Chapter 3: Ergonomics: Avoiding Work-Related Injury Flashcards
When body parts are positioned away from their neutral position. The postures can put stress on the joints and their associated muscles. The further from neutral, and the longer the duration, the greater the potential risk
awkward postures
sustained contact between a body part and an external object
contact stress
The period of time that a body part is exposed to an ergonomic risk factor. `
duration
The exertion of physical effort applied by a body part to perform a task.
force
The force exerted by an object
load/loading
the force exerted by the muscle on an object
muscle tension
Repeated motions, often including other ergonomic risk factors and/or awkward posture.
repetition
A body part held in a single position over a long period of time.
static postures
caused by:
repetitive wrist motions, repetitive shoulder motions, sustained hyperextension of arms, prolonged load on shoulders
symptoms:
pain, weakness, swelling, burning sensation, dull ache over affected area
tendonitis/tenosynovitis
tendonitis of the medial or lateral elbow tendons
epicondylitis
caused by:
repeated or forceful rotation of the forearm and bending of the wrist at the same time
symptoms: pain, weakness, swelling, burning sensation, dull ache over affected area
epicondylitis
caused by:
repetitive wrist motions
symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, wasting of muscles at base of thumb, dry palm
carpal tunnel syndrome
caused by:
repetitive hand twisting and forceful gripping
symptoms: pain at base of thumb
deQuervian disease
caused by:
prolonged shoulder flexion, extending arms abover shoulder height, carrying loads on shoulder
symptoms:
pain, numbness, swelling of the hands
thoracic outlet syndrome
caused by:
prolong restricted posture
symptoms:
pain
Tension Neck Syndrome
aching and tiredness of the affected limb occurs during the work shift but disappear at night and during days off work. No reduction of work performances.
early stage WRMSDs
aching and tiredness occur early in work shift and persist at night. Reduced capacity for repetitive work.
intermediate stage WRMSDs
aching, fatigue, and weakness persist at rest. Inability to sleep and to perform light duties.
late stage WRMSDs
painful conditions that are caused by or aggravated by workplace activities
work-related musculoskeletal disorders
lack of influence or control over one’s job
increased demands
lark of or poor communication
monotonous tasks
perception of low support
psychosocial risk factors
result of accumulation of microtrauma from prolonged periods of exposure to risk factors
WRMSDs
utilizes chemical energy from metabolized carbohydrates and produces lactic acid as a byproduct
muscle contraction
sign that muscles are overloaded and there is build up of lactic acid
pain
fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bone
tendons
associated with tendon sheaths
tenosynovitis
The sheath provides ______, which keeps tendon lubricated, allowing it to elongate without adhering to surrounding fascia
synovial fluid
result when an inflamed sheath fills with lubricating fluid and causes a bump under the skin
Ganglion cysts
affects tendons without sheaths
tendonitis
inflammation of the tendons
tendonities
bursa inflammation
bursitis
consists of bundles of fibers that carry signals between the brain and spinal cord or other parts of the body to control activities of muscles and convey impulses of sensation
nerves
muscle weakness, tingling sensations, numbness
nerve compression
most common symptom of WRMSDs
pain
requires excess muscle tiring and, as a result, a quicker onset of fatigue
awkward posture
required the least amount of muscular effort, protects muscles and tendons from overloading and subsequent risk of injury
neutral posture
The knees should be slightly ____ than hips when seated
lower
No more than ___ degree arm abduction
30
Position ultrasound system _____ to exam table with no appreciable space between the two.
parallel
Adjust the system monitor so that the top of the monitor is at _____.
eye level
Maintain elbow of nonscanning arm at the side of the body with ____ degree or more elbow flexion
90
Position patient at ____ edge of exam table to reduce abduction and reach of scanning arm
nearst
period of time that a body part is exposed to an ergonomic risk factor
duration
situation when body parts are positioned away from their neutral position
awkward postures
the force exerted by an object on a contracted muscle
load/loading
situation when a body part is held in a single position over a long period of time
static posture
sustained contact between a body part and an external object
contact stress
repeated motion that includes other ergonomic risk factors, such as force and/or awkward posture
repetition
the exertion of physical effort applied by a body part to perform a task
force
At what age do work-related musculoskeletal disorders generally peaK?
45-54
What causes most work-related musculoskeletal disorders?
repeated exposure to one or more risk factos
Which of the following are risk factors for the development of of WRMSDs?
a. exerting excessive force
b. contact pressure of a body part
c. vibration
d. all of the above
d
What is the most commonly reported symptom reported by sonographers?
shoulder pain
According to the 1997 Health Care Benefit Trust study, what percentage of sonographers reported musculoskeletal pain related to scanning?
90%
What is a major result of repeated exposure to risk factors for WRMSDs?
interference with ability of the body to recover
Which condition results in compression of nerves and deterioration of tendons and ligaments?
a. microtears
b. degeneration
c. inflammation
d. swelling
c
What is the by-product of muscle metabolism that, when built up, results in pain?
lactic acid
Which of the following results from friction between a tendon and its sheath, resulting in inflammation and swelling of the tendon?
a. tendonitis
b. tenosynovitis
c. bursitis
d. epicondylitis
b
What can result when an inflamed tendon sheath fills with lubricating fluid, causing a bump under the skin?
ganglion cyst
What can result when a tendon attempts to bear the load usually required of a muscle?
bursitis
What percentage of sonographers who were symptomatic for WRMSDs suffered career-ending injuries?
20%
What is the type of posture that requires the least amount of muscular effort, protecting muscles and tendons from injury?
neutral posture
During performance of an ultrasound examination, under what degree of abduction should the sonographer keep their scanning arm?
30
When adjusting the monitor of the ultrasound system, to what level should the top of the monitor be positioned?
eye level
What type of grip would be best to use when holding the transducer?
a. palmar
b. pinch
c. tight
d. force
a
What regulatory agency determines the laws and requirements that employers must follow regarding workplace safety?
OSHA
Which equipment piece should be adjusted throughout the ultrasound exam?
a. chair
b. table
c. ultrasound machine
d. all of the above
d
When performing an ultrasound exam on a difficult to image patient (high BMI, limited mobility), the sonographer should do all of the following EXCEPT:
a. limit the time during the exam to minimize exposure to WRMSD risk factors
b. use correct body mechanics throughout as much as possible
c. push as hard as possible throughout the entire exam using a forceful grip on the transducer
d. accept any limitations of the imaging capabilities for the exam
c
What adjustment do most sonographers NOT do with the exam table during an ultrasound exam?
lower is enough to minimize arm abduction
______ is defined as painful conditions that are caused or aggravated by workplace activities
WRMSDs
Despite many improvements in ergonomic equipment and training, a 2009 study reported that ____% of clinical sonographers reported symptoms of WRMSDs, an increase from the 1997 study.
90
Risk factors and injuries related to WRMSDs may not be readily apparent as symptoms occur after ______.
prolonged exposure
Awkward postures often lead to restriction of blood flow into contracted muscles as a result of ______ on the blood vessels
compression
Recovery time is important to muscle function because it allows the muscles to relax and for _____ to be flushed out.
lactic acid
The general term for inflammation of the tendon, usually as a result of repeated stress causing tendon fibers to tear, is ______.
tendonitis
A sac of lubricating fluid that is present in a joint where tendons pass through a narrow space between bones is known as a _____.
sheath
Inflammation can result in nerve _____, causing weakness, tingling sensations, and numbness.
injury
From the standpoint of prevention of WRMSDs, it is better to ____ the ultrasound system during transport rather than ____ it.
push
pull
Symptoms of WRMSDs may be present at _____, after prolonged exposure to risks rather than while performing work tasks.
rest
One of the most prevalent risk factors for sonographers is ______, which requires excess muscle firing and a quicker onset of fatigue.
muscle injury
When performing an ultrasound exam, the ultrasound system should be positioned _____ to the exam table, with no appreciable space between the two.
parallel
Elbow flexion of either the scanning or nonscanning arm should be ____ degrees or more.
90
When using a chair, the height should be adjusted to maintain a neutral trunk, neck, and arm posture and ensure that the knees are slightly _____ than the hips.
lower
During a sonographic procedure, the patient should be positioned at the _____ edge of the exam table to reduce abduction and reach.
nearst
Providing an external _____ for the patient to observe can prevent twisting of the neck and back of the sonographer.
monitor
Not only should the ultrasound exam room and equipment be adjusted ergonomically, but the _____ workstation used for PACS or electronic medical records entry should also be adjustable.
computer
A simple modification to reduce strain and fatigue of the shoulder and neck muscles is to support the scanning using _____ or a _____ under the elbow.
support cushions
rolled up towel
Employer and academic programs as well as professional organizations provide options for ongoing _____ and _____ regarding proper scanning techniques and avoiding work-related injuries.
education
training
