Safe Mobility & Safe Handling

Question 1

What are the learning outcomes for this content?

Answer 1

Understanding the functions of the musculoskeletal system in the regulation of movement, discussing physiological/pathological influences on body alignment and joint mobility, ability to preform LITE assessment, and determine range of safe handling strategies.

Question 2

Define body mechanics.

Answer 2

Coordinated efforts of musculoskeletal and nervous systems to maintain balance posture and body alignment during: lifting, bending, moving, and ADLs

Question 3

Why is the use of proper body mechanics important?

Answer 3

Its important for the safety and wellbeing of nurses and patients.

Question 4

What is alignment in body mechanics?

Answer 4

The positioning of joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles while standing, sitting, and lying.

Question 5

Correct body alignment reduces what?

Answer 5

Strain on musculoskeletal structures and risk of injury.

Question 6

What does correct body alignment help with?

Answer 6

Adequate muscle tone and contributes to balance and energy conservation.

Question 7

Why is balance important?

Answer 7

Without balance control the centre of gravity is displaced and there is an increased risk of falls and injury.

Question 8

How is balance increased?

Answer 8

With a widespread base of support and correct body posture.

Question 9

Define ADLs.

Answer 9

Activities of daily living

Question 10

Define weight

Answer 10

The force exerted on the body by gravity

Question 11

What must someone do to transfer safely

Answer 11

The person transferring must overcome the weight of the object

Question 12

Define friction.

Answer 12

The force that opposes the relative motion of surfaces of bodies in contact.

Question 13

How do nurses overcome friction?

Answer 13

They reduce the amount of surface area - i.e arms over chest when moving a patient up a bed. Or by reducing pressure on surfaces ie using a slide sheet.

Question 14

What is a LITE assessment?

Answer 14

An acronym for the key risk factors when preparing a patient for a safe handling strategy

Question 15

What does LITE stand for?

Answer 15

Load, individual, task, and environment

Question 16

Which guidelines does moving and handling people come under?

Answer 16

The NZ guidelines 2012

Question 17

What does load refer to in the LITE assessment?

Answer 17

The patient characteristics that can affect the handling risk.

Question 18

What is involved in the individual part of the LITE assessment?

Answer 18

The capability’s of you as the career and the capabilities of the careers working with you.

Question 19

What does task refer to in the LITE assessment?

Answer 19

The nature of the task you need to preform (What, how, when)

Question 20

What does environment refer to in the LITE assessment?

Answer 20

The environment in which the task will be completed in.

Question 21

What information is important to gain before doing a safe handling assessment?

Answer 21

What the person can do first which is gained through communicating with staff who are knowledgeable on the patient, clinical notes, asking the patient, NCP, physio plan, family, and physical assessment (musculoskeletal or coordination and balance assessment.

Question 22

Before preforming a safe handle what do you need to do?

Answer 22

Preform the LITE assessment, assess the patients ability, ensure clothing correct, never lift, know your limits, do one thing at a time, choose a leader who is in charge of the task and listen to them.

Question 23

When choosing a leader for a lift what is important to consider?

Answer 23

Choosing someone who is of the same height as you.

Question 24

When preforming the move what do you need to ensure.

Answer 24

Maintain straight curve of spine, stable position, avoid twisting, bend knees, elbows in, tighten abs, head up, move slowly and maintain a 16kg limit

Question 25

What is the weight limit for lifting?

Answer 25

16kg

Question 26

When beginning to lift what saying do we follow?

Answer 26

Ready, Steady, Stand.

Question 27

What are the types of equipment we can use for a lift?

Answer 27

Full hoist, standing hoist, transfer boards, sliding sheets, transfer belts, and a variety of walking frames.