Positioning-Ergonomics/Body Mechanics Flashcards
A nurse is caring for a client receiving tube feedings due to
difficulty swallowing. Which of the following positions is
appropriate for this client?
A. supine
B. semi-fowler’s
C. orthopneic
D. Prone
B. semi-fowler’s
Rationale: This position is used to prevent regurgitation and
aspiration with client having problems eating and swallowing.
Fowler Position
● Head of bed elevated 45 degrees
● NG suctioning/drainage
● Abdominal surgery
● Used position to maintain patient airway
Semi-Fowler’s Position
● Head of bed elevated approx. 30 degrees
● Used to help with swallowing difficulties
High Fowler Position
● Head of bed approx 90 degrees
● Use to expand lung
● Severe difficulty breathing
Supine/Dorsal Recumbent Position
● Place on back with head slightly elevated
on pillow
● Promote body alignment
Prone Position
● Place on flat back with head to side
● Promote body alignment
Side Lying or Lateral Recumbent Position
● Place on side with pillow under head
● Used to improve or risk for pressure
ulcers
● Used as a sleeping position
Sims Position
● Place in pone with body slightly
lateral(semi-prone)
● Used for rectal enema and drainage
Trendelenburg Position
● Bottom of bed elevated, top of bed
lowered
● Used to remove postural drainage
● Used to facilitate venous return to heart
Reverse Trendelenburg Position
● Bed tilted with foot of bed lower than
head of bed
● Used for esophageal reflux and GI
emptying
Orthopneic Position
● Used with COPD clients - promote
lung expansion/improve breathing
● Client placed sitting up in bed at the
bedside or position over a bedside
table
● Client arms rested on table with
pillows
A nurse has taught the client with a herniated lumbar disk about proper body mechanics and other information about low back care. The nurse determines that the client needs further instruction if the client says:
A. “I should bend at the knees to pick things up.”
B. “I need to increase the fiber and fluids in my diet.”
C. “I can strengthen my back muscles by swimming or walking.”
D. “I should get out of bed by sitting up straight and swinging my legs over the side of the bed.”
D. “I should get out of bed by sitting up straight and swinging my legs over the side of the bed.”
Rationale: Clients are taught to get out of bed by sliding near the edge of the mattress, then rolling onto one side and pushing up from the bed, using one or both arms. The back is kept straight and the legs are swung over the side. Proper body mechanics includes bending at the knees, not the waist, to lift objects. Increased fluids and fiber in the diet help prevent straining at stool and, in turn, increases in intraspinal pressure. Walking and swimming are excellent exercises for strengthening the lower back muscles.
A registered nurse is instructing a group of nursing assistants in the principles of body mechanics. Which of these observations tell the nurse that a student is using the principles appropriately? Select all that apply.
A. The assistant leans forward when turning a client in bed
B. The assistant positions a box that is to be lifted between his knees
C. The assistant turns his back to change position while moving a client
D. The assistant keeps the object to be moved as close to his body as possible
E. The assistant helps a client requiring total care into a chair without additional assistance
B. The assistant positions a box that is to be lifted between his knees
D. The assistant keeps the object to be moved as close to his body as possible
Rationale: When moving an object, the nursing assistant should position the object between his knees. The assistant should keep the client or object to be moved as close to his body as possible. When turning a client, the assistant should keep his back straight and take small steps with the feet. The assistant should turn his feet, rather than twisting his back, if a change in direction is necessary when carrying an object or a client. The assistant should seek out assistance when transferring a client who requires total care.
During a laboratory training session, the nurse is watching as a nursing assistant repositions a client. Which observation tells the nurse that further training is necessary?
A. The nursing assistant positions himself close to the client
B. The nursing assistant keeps his neck, back, pelvis, and feet aligned
C. The nursing assistant encourages the client to assist as much as possible
D. The nursing assistant keeps his knees straight and his feet close together
D. The nursing assistant keeps his knees straight and his feet close together
Rationale: To help prevent injury, the nurse needs to use and encourage staff members to use good body mechanics and ergonomic principles in providing care. When planning to reposition a client, the staff member must assess the client’s ability to assist and encourage the client to assist as much as possible. The nursing assistant should position himself close to the client and keep the back, neck, pelvis, and feet aligned, avoiding twisting; use the arms and legs (not the back); and keep the knees flexed and the feet wide apart.
