Force Flashcards
What is force measured in?
Newtons
What is force?
It is any interaction that when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. E.g. push, pull, restrain, stretch
What are some forces in healthcare?
Increasing the height of an IV pole to increase the force pushing down on fluid. The increased pressure of fluids flowing through the IV site speeds up drip rate. (Gravity)
Pressure damage/ ulcers from pts lack of mobility or bed bound
What is the cause of pressure/decubitus ulcers?
- Pt weight is not distributed over the weight bearing areas
- Inactivity leads to increased pressure over specific areas, and tissue breaks down due to pressure forces
What negative effects does too little or too much friction have?
- too little in wet areas can contribute to slips and falls
- too much can contribute to beds and wheelchairs being harder to move
- elastic adhesive dressings that are too tight can cause friction blisters
- friction between the patient and bed when moving a patient up the bed can cause skin tears
How can we prevent friction damage in healthcare?
- use slide sheets
- rubber sole shoes
- ensure wheels on beds and wheelchairs are working
Where is the centre of gravity?
The centre of gravity is usually around the centre of your body (abdominal area). It is considered the body’s balance point and changes based on body position and motion.
Where do we use gravity in healthcare?
- Raising legs to bring blood back to the heart quicker
- Increasing the height of an IV pole
- Labour positions during birth
How is a pregnant womens centre of gravity affected?
The abdomen extends outwards and so the centre of gravity moves forward
How can spinal curvatures affect centre of gravity?
It can move the centre of gravity forward and away from the trunk of the body. (Kyphosis).
How does being a left/right leg amputee affect centre of gravity?
- Shifts to the left or right
- No longer centre to abdomen
- Reduction in body’s base of support
