Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Take Aways

Question 1

What does SPHM involve?

Answer 1

Assistive devices & proper body mechanics of staff

Question 2

Assistive devices

Answer 2

Wheelchair, crutches, gait belt, draw sheet, transfer board, mechanical lift, canes, walkers, stand-to-lift, pivot discs

Question 3

Principles for determining SPHM techniques & technology

Answer 3

Know if patient can bear weight

Know their strength & ability to assist

Know their height & weight

Question 4

What patient’s are at high risk for complications from improper positioning & injury during transfer?

Answer 4

Patient’s with poor nutrition, poor circulation, loss of sensation, impaired muscle development, & those w alterations in bone formation/joint mobility

Question 5

What should be considered when developing a care plan for mobility?

Answer 5

Patient’s knowledge, cultural beliefs, attitudes about independence & willingness to participate

Question 6

Benefits of using SPHM devices to transfer patients

Answer 6

Takes fewer personnel & 5 minutes less than manual transfers

Question 7

3 categories of friction-reducing devices

Answer 7

Air assisted transfer devices

Friction-reducing slide sheets & tubes

Transfer & roller-type boards

Question 8

Wheelchair safety features

Answer 8

Lock the wheelchair
Ensure footrests are outta the way
Position wheelchair correctly during transfer (45 degree facing FOB)

Question 9

Wheelchair prescription, posture, training, & maintenance

Answer 9

Ensure adequate size & height for patient’s body size & medical condition

Proper posture, ensure alignment of hips & knees, no slouching

Proper training

Check brakes, footrests, tires, lubricate moving parts

Question 10

What does frequent repositioning of immobilized patients prevent?

Answer 10

pressure injuries, reduced ventilation, muscle contractures, DVD