Chapter 3 Lifting and Moving Patients Flashcards
Key Terms
having to do with patients who are significantly over-weight or obese
Bariatric
Key Terms
the proper use of the body to facilitate lifting and moving and prevent injury
Body Mechanics
Key Terms
a method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher, during which two or more rescuers curl the patient to their chests then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher
Direct Carry
Key Terms
a method of lifting and carrying a patient from ground level to a stretcher in which two or more rescuers kneel, curl the patient to their chests, stand, then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher
Direct Ground Lift
Key Terms
a method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher by grasping and pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed
Draw-Sheet Method
Key Terms
a method of lifting and carrying a patient during which one rescuer slips hands under the patient’s armpits and grasps the wrists, while another rescuer grasps the patient’s knees
Extremity Lift
Key Terms
gripping with as much hand surface as possible in contact with the object being lifted, all fingers bent at the same angle, and hands at least ten inches apart
Power Grip
Key Terms
a lift from a squatting position with weight to be lifted close to the body, feet apart and flat on the ground, body weight on or just behind the balls of the feet, and the back locked in. The upper body is raised before the hips. Also called the “squat-lift” position
Power Lift
Short Answer
Define the term “body mechanics”. The describe several principles of body mechanics related to safe lifting and moving.
Body mechanics is the proper use of the body to facilitate lifting and moving. Principles of body mechanics include:
- Position your feet properly, shoulder width apart. - When lifting, use your legs, not your back, to do the lifting. - When lifting, never twist or attempt to make any moves other than the lift. - When lifting with one hand, do not compensate. - Keep the weight as close to your body as possible. - When carrying a patient on stairs, use a stair chair instead of a stretcher when possible.
Short Answer
List several situations that may require an emergency move of a patient.
A number of situations may require the emergency move of a patient, including when the scene is hazardous, when care of life-threatening conditions requires repositioning, and when other patients must be reached for immediate treatment.
Short Answer
Describe several lifts and drags.
Lifts include the extremity lift, the direct ground lift, the draw-sheet method, and the direct carry method. Drags include the shoulder drag, the foot drag, the “fireman’s drag,” the incline drag, the clothes drag, and the blanket drag.
Short Answer
Define a long-axis drag, and explain its importance.
A long-axis drag is a drag from the shoulders of the patient that causes the remainder of the body to assume its natural anatomical position, with the spine and all limbs in normal alignment. This emergency move minimizes or prevents aggravation of a spinal injury.
Critical Thinking
What is the appropriate procedure or device for lifting and moving a patient that has fallen eighteen feet and has suspected spinal injuries?
A patient who has fallen eighteen feet with suspected spinal injuries should be lifted and moved with a spine board in full spinal immobilization.
Critical Thinking
What is the appropriate procedure or device for lifting and moving a patient with chest pain who lives on the fifth floor of a building with no elevator?
A patient with chest pain and no spine injury who lives on an upper floor of a building with no elevator should be moved with a stair chair.
Critical Thinking
What is the appropriate procedure or device for lifting a patient that is found in an environment with a risk of immediate explosion?
A patient found in an environment where there is risk of immediate explosion should be moved emergently with a shoulder drag.
