Safe Patient Movement and Handling TechniquES Flashcards
What is Body Mechanics?
The branch of science that applies to the law of physics, specifically the action of forces on the body in motion or at rest.
What are the benefits of using proper bio-mechanics?
• Reduce injury to patient.
• Reduce injury to the healthcare worker.
• Facilitate proper transfer techniques.
The purpose of a patient transfer is?
to safely move a patient from one place to another.
Safety involves?
both the patient and the people doing the transfer.
What is the application of proper lifting and transfer techniques?
increases job safety
Radiologic imaging professionals who use proper transfer techniques can ?
reduce their injuries and minimize low back pain.
Rules of Body Mechanics
Provide a broad base of support
Work at a comfortable height
Do all the lifting with the leg muscles while keeping your back straight
When lifting bend at the knees
Do not allow twisting of your body
Keep patients close to your body – don’t reach
What is the Base of Support?
-The foundation on which the body rests or stands;
-the portion of the body in contact with the floor or another horizontal surface.
-In the standing position the base of support is defined by the persons’ stance or the distance between their feet.
-A broad base of support provided stability for the body.
How is the Correct Base of Support defined?
Standing upright with the feet parallel and spread about two feet apart or shoulder-width apart.
CORRECT BASE OF SUPPORT
A wide solid base of support is important.
Body weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.
Knees should be slightly bent.
Standing with the feet slightly wider apart enlarges the base of support.
If the feet are not separated enough, or the person has a narrow base of support, the support is unstable
What is the Center of Gravity?
The hypothetical point at which all mass appears to be concentrated.
Where is the center of gravity located in an erect position?
At the center of the pelvis at approximately Level S2 (Sacral Two).
How can stability be improved?
By keeping the body’s center of gravity over its base of support.
What should be done when transferring a patient?
Keep the patient’s center of gravity as close as possible to your center of gravity.
CENTER OF GRAVITY CONT.
Always explain and then let the patient do as much as possible.
Remain close to the patient and give the assistance that the patient needs for safety and comfort.
How should things be lifted
Dos:
Heavy objects must be held close to the body rather than away from it.
The feet must be about shoulder-width apart. A wide, solid base of support is important.
Holding the feet too close together will be unstable; too far apart will make movement difficult.
Dos:
Legs must be bent at the knees while lifting weights from the floor level and the back must be kept straight.
The stomach muscles must be pulled in. This will support the back in a good lifting position and will help prevent excessive force on the spine.
Dos:
Push up with the legs. The legs are much stronger than the back muscles.
If an object is too heavy, or awkward in shape get someone to help you lift
How should things NOT be lifted?
Don’ts:
Sudden and awkward movements while holding something heavy must be avoided.
The back should never be bent to pick something up.
Don’t twist or bend. A person should face in the direction he or she is walking.
What muscles are involved in patient transfers?
Mobility muscles (found in the limbs) (BICEPS)
LONG MUSCLE WITH WHITE TENDONS THAT CROSS JOINTS (FOR LIFTING)
Stability muscles (found in the torso).(i.e., Latisimus Dorsi)
Red muscles that provides postural support
For effective patient transfers and handling, technologists should use:
use mobility muscles for lifting and
stability postural muscles for support.
What is the principle of pulling during patient transfers?
Pull rather than push using the biceps muscles when moving patients.
What should be assessed before moving a patient?
- The patient’s general condition.
- Are the patient’s motions restricted in any way. (i.e., non-ambulatory, non-weight bearing, etc.)
- The patient’s strength and endurance. Always transfer across the shortest distance.
- The patient’s ability to understand what is expected of him/her.
5.How much cooperation can be expected.
- Give assistance that the patient needs for comfort and safety.
7.Allow the patient to do as much as possible.
What is the minimum number of persons necessary to assist in transferring an adult patient?
A minimum of three persons.
What is a key principle of safe transfer?
NEVER LEAVE A PATIENT’S SIDE DURING A TRANSFER.
What should be done with wheelchairs, stretchers, and gurneys during a transfer?
LOCK ALL WHEELCHAIRS, STRETCHERS, AND GURNEY’S.
PRINCIPLES OF SAFE TRANSFER
NEVER LEAVE A PATIENT’S SIDE DURING A TRANSFER.
LOCK ALL WHEELCHAIRS, STRETCHERS, AND GURNEY’S.
ALWAYS USE A FOOT OR STEP STOOL.
ALWAYS TRANSFER ACROSS THE SHORTEST DISTANCE.
MOVE A PATIENT TOWARDS THE PATIENTS STRONG SIDE
INFORM THE PATIENT OF THE PLAN TO MOVE
OBTAIN THE NECESSARY HELP TO FACILITATE A SAFE TRANSFER.
PREPARE THE TABLE BEFORE MOVING THE PATIENT.
MOVE THE TUBE OUT OF THE WAY.
USE SHEETS ON THE TABLE.
What is Orthostatic Hypotension?
The sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position.