Safe Patient Movement and Transfer Techniques Flashcards
Base of Support
Foundation of which a body rests or stands- defined by the space in between the feet
Biomechanics
A component of physics, the laws of Newtonian mechanics, applied to living bodies at rest and in motion
Center of Gravity
Hypothetical point around which all mass appears to be concentrated
Commonly attached medical equipment
items clipped, fastened or affixed to patients bodies to deliver substances (Oxygen, medications, hydration, nutrients or drains)
Ergonomics
The study of a persons’ efficiency in the work environment
Mobility muscles
Muscles that are found in the four extremities and designed for movement - have long white tendons
What are examples of mobility muscles?
Biceps
Orthostatic Hypotension
A sudden drop in BP in the brain when a person stands up too quickly
Stability Muscles
Muscles that support the torso and are designed to provide postural stability - red muscles
What are examples of stability muscles?
Abdominals
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WRMSD)
Injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs in which work environment and performance contribute significantly
What does the use of biomechanics do?
- reduce injury to patients
- reduce injury to healthcare workers
- facilitate proper transfer techniques
What is the purpose of a patient transfer?
To safely move a patient from one place to another
Whare are the rules of body mechanics?
- Provide a broad base of support
- Work at a comfortable height
- Lift with leg muscles while keeping back straight
- Bend at the knees when lifting
- Do no allow twisting of your body
- Keep patients close to your body and don’t reach
What is a correct base of support?
- Standing upright with the feel parallel and spread out shoulder-width apart
- Even distribution of weight on both feet
- Knees slightly bent
How should things be lifted? Do’s
- Heavy objects must be held close to the body
- Feet must be shoulder width apart
- Legs must be bent at the knees while lifting with back straight
- Stomach muscles must be pulled in
- Push up with the legs
- Use help if something is too heavy
How should things be lifted? - Don’ts
- Making sudden or awkward movements when holding something heavy should be avoided
- The back should never be bent to pick something up
- Don’t twist or bend
What muscles should be used for lifting?
Mobility muscles
What muscles should be used for support?
Stability muscles
Before moving a patient what should be assessed?
- The patient’s general condition, strength and endurance
- Check if the patient’s motions are restricted
Check the patients ability to understand what is expected of them
What are the principles of safe transfer?
- never leave a patients side during a transfer
- lock all wheelchairs, stretchers, and gurneys
- always use a foot or step stool
- always transfer across the shortest distance
- move a patient towards their 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 are signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension?
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Blurred Vision
- Slurred speech
How to avoid symptoms of orthostatic hypotension?
- Have patient stand slowly
- Talk to patient during transfer to evaluate speech
How to treat orthostatic hypotension?
- slow down the transfer
- have patient take deep breaths
- provide additional assistance, as necessary
- keep patient secure and monitor until symptoms pass
What are the 4 types of wheelchair transfers?
- Standby Assist Transfer
- Assisted Standing Pivot Transfer
- Two-person lift
- Hydraulic lift techniques
What are the steps of standby assist transfers?
- Position the chair at 45- degree angle to the table
- Move the chair footrests are out of the way and the chair is locked
- Instruct the patient to sit on the edge of the seat
- Instruct the patient to push down on the arms of the chair to assist in rising and then to stand up slowly
- Direct the patient to reach out and hold onto the table with the hand closest and then turn slowly until they feel the table behind them
- Instruct the patient to hold onto the table with hold hands and then sit down
What are the steps of assisted standing pivot wheelchair transfer?
- Position the wheelchair to a 45 degree angle to the table with the patient’s strongest side
- Move the chair footrests out of the way and be sure the chair is locked
- Direct the patient to sit on the edge of the chair, providing assistance as needed
- Instruct the patient to push down on the arms of the chair and assist in rising
- Bend at the knees, keeping back stationary and grasp the transfer belt with both hands. Block the patients feet and knees to provide stability
- Assist the patient in rising to a standing position
- Ask the patient if they feel alright and if they report any feelings of discomfort let them stand for a moment
- Pivot the patient toward the table until the feel it on their thighs
- Ask the patient to support themselves on the table with hands and sit down
What are the steps of a two person wheelchair lift?
- Plan for the lift by locating an assistant who will lift the patient’s feet as you lift the torso
- Lock the wheelchair, remove the armrests, swing away or remove the leg rests and direct the patient to cross their arms over their chest
- Stand behind the patient, reach under their axillae and grasp the patients crossed forearms. Direct the assistant to squat in front of the patient and cradle their thighs in one hand and calves in the other
- On command lift the patient to clear the chair and move the patient as a unit to the desired place