Proper Body Mechanics

Question 1

Why is Proper Body Mechanics Important to you?

Answer 1

Health care providers must know how to properly apply the principles of body mechanics to minimize personal and client injury. The number of injuries in health care facilities related to improper use of body mechanics has risen over the years

Question 2

Types of Levers in the Body

Answer 2

First, Second and third class levers.

Question 3

First Class Lever

Answer 3

• Head being tipped backward on the atlas
• The facial portion of the skull is the load, the joint between the skull and the atlas is the fulcrum, and muscles of the back produce the pull

Question 4

Second Class Lever

Answer 4

• Raising the body on the toes
• The point of contact between the toes and the ground is the fulcrum, the load is located at the ankle, and the pull is exerted at the gastrocnemius (the muscle in the calf)

Question 5

Third Class Lever

Answer 5

• Flexing of the forearm at the elbow joint as in lifting a hand weight
• The load is the weight in the hand, the pull is the biceps brachii muscle, and the fulcrum is the elbow.
• This is the most common lever in the body

Question 6

Principles of Body Mechanics

Answer 6

• Use the larger and stronger muscles to perform work
• When moving heavy objects, push or pull instead of lifting
• Get help
• Maintain good posture
• Avoid twisting your whole body
• Keep objects close to your body when listing or carrying
• Avoid unnecessary bending

Question 7

How to Maintain good posture

Answer 7

• Back straight
• Knees bent
• Weight evenly distributed on both feet
• Feet shoulder width apart (about 12 inches)

Question 8

When should you use body mechanics?

Answer 8

1. You should use proper body mechanic AT ALL TIMES.

2. In everyday activity such as carrying your schools books, getting in or out of your car, moving a chair

Question 9

When should you use body mechanics in health care?

Answer 9

In health care settings such as when moving a patient to or from a chair, picking up supplies, or positioning a patient in bed

Question 10

Ergonomics

Answer 10

The science of work

Fit the work to the user instead of forcing the user to the work

OSHA has developed a policy of “no lifting” in Long Term Care Facilities and other high risk areas

Question 11

Range of Motion

Answer 11

the complete extent of movement of which a joint is capable

Question 12

R…E…F…

Answer 12

Resistance
Effort
Fulcrum

Question 13

Active Range of Motion

Answer 13

Movements performed by the patient without help

Question 14

Passive Range of Motion

Answer 14

Movement cannot be performed by the patient and the health care worker moves each join through its range of motion

Question 15

Active Assistive Range of Motion

Answer 15

The patient does the exercises with some assistance from another person