Prep for Patient Care Flashcards
What is core stabilization?
Relates to a group of muscles bounded by the abdominal wall, the pelvis, the diaphragm, and the lower back that are contracted to assist in posture, balance, and stability.
COG
Center of Gravity
- the point at which the mass of a body or object is centered
Where does the COG usually land?
At the 2nd sacral segment
BOS
Base of Support
- the area on which an object rests and that provides support for the object
VGL
Vertical Gravity Line
- an imaginary vertical line that passes through the COG of an object
Lumbar Lordosis
the natural position of the lumbar spine
Valsalva Maneuver
The action of holding your breath and bearing down while lifting something heavy
*NOT GOOD
What is the risk associated with the Valsalva Maneuver?
It increases vertebral pressure which puts out discs at risk for rupture
6 Rules of Lifting
1) Keep the load close
2) Widen BOS and keep VGL within your BOS
3) Shorten your lever arm to decrease torque
4) No twisting
5) Use larger and stronger muscles
6) Push, pull, roll, or slide object when possible
Describe the “Traditional” Lifting Model
- Demonstrate posterior pelvic tilt
- Relatively straight lumbar and thoracic spine
- Isometric contraction of the abdominal musculature
- Stabilization of the lumber spine
Describe the Deep Squat Lifting Model
- Hips positioned below the level of the knees
- Straddle object if possible
- Maintain vertical trunk position
- Lumbar spine is in lordosis
- Anterior pelvic tilt
Describe the Power Lifting Model
- Only half squat is performed so hips remain above the level of the knees
- Trunk tends to go more vertical than horizontal
- Lumbar spine is in lordosis
- Anterior pelvic tilt
Describe the Straight Leg Lifting Model
- Knees are slightly flexed
- Trunk may be positioned either vertically or horizontal
- Lumbar spine is in lordosis
- Anterior pelvic tilt
Describe the “Golfers Lift” Model
- Face the object to be lifted
- Body weight is shifted onto the forward knee
- Non-weight bearing leg is extended
Why should you use a crouched or semi-squat position to push or pull?
- lowers your COG nearer to the object’s COG which increases stability
- Reduces energy expenditure
- Improves control of the object
Why should the force of the push or pull be parallel to the surface over which the object is being moved?
It reduces the effect of friction and moves the object in the proper direction
Why is more force required to initiate movement?
Your COG and the object’s COG are opposing one another
What is a helpgul rule to remember when reaching and carrying?
Maintain the patient or object’s COG close to you COG
Why are posture and body control important?
- Injury Prevention
- Patient Education
- Develop a sense of individual responsibility for the proper care of your back
5 Steps to Prepare for Lifting
- Prepare yourself physically and mentally to perform the activity
- Determine your options and the best method to move the object or transfer the patient
- Provide a clear path
- Determine need for assistance
- Provide clear and concise instructions to patient’s and assistants
10 Commandments of Body Mechanics
1) Clue your patient
2) Size up your load…Get help if needed!
3) Check your footing
4) Move close to your load
5) Squat –bend hips and knees and keep back straight
6) Lift using thigh muscles!
7) Be smooth and synchronized
8) Turn – don’t twist – shift the position of your feet to turn
9) Don’t’ lift when you can push or pull the patient
10) Teach and Preach
7 Things to Consider about Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
- Introduce yourself
- Discuss your purpose and plan
- Use ‘lay’ language
- Be brief and concise when giving instructions during transfer or activity
- Consider tone, volume, and inflection
- NVC (non-verbal cues)
- Preserve patient modesty
Postioning is important in prevent what 4 things?
1) Soft-tissue injury
2) Joint contracture
3) Nerve injury
4) Infection
6 Precautions for Patient Positioning
- Avoid clothing or linen folds beneath patient
- Observe skin color before and after each treatment
- Protect bony prominences
- Position extremities within support surface
- Use additional caution when patients lack normal circulation and/or sensation
- Follow specific precautions as needed
Why is draping important?
- Expose treatment area
- Maintain modesty
- Maintain warmth; or comfortable body temperature
3 things to ALWAYS drape
- Chest
- Perineum
- Buttocks
