Week 8: Manual Handling Flashcards
What is…
A field of study and practice focused on ensuring workplace environments are safe and healthy for employees, including the implementation of safety regulations and practices to prevent accidents and injuries.
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
What is…
A manual handling method where a person is lifted by placing one arm under their back and the other under their knees, a technique that can put significant strain on the lifter’s back and shoulders.
Fireman’s Lift
What should you do if you are using slide sheets for patient handling?
a) Fold them if only one is available
b) Use two full-length slide sheets for better safety
c) Use them without proper training
d) Only use them for small patients
b) Use two full-length slide sheets for better safety
What was the recommended lifting technique taught in the early 1980s?
Nurses were taught to plant their feet firmly, engage their core, stand close to the load, and lift it up.
What is…
The process by which patients experience physical decline due to prolonged bed rest or inactivity in a hospital setting, which is now minimized by encouraging early movement and activity post-surgery.
Hospital-induced Deconditioning
How does following safe manual handling practices impact patient care?
It improves patient care by decreasing the number of patient injuries and promoting patient independence.
What do the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2004 and the Manual Handling Regulations of 2017 outline?
They outline the responsibilities of both employers and employees in ensuring safe manual handling practices.
Define:
WorkSafe’s WorkCover
A system that provides compensation for workers who are injured on the job, covering medical expenses and time off work for up to 18 months to two years, depending on the severity of the injury.
Why is manual handling considered a better approach than the old lifting techniques?
Manual handling addresses the limitations of old lifting techniques and aims to reduce the risk of injuries associated with repetitive or heavy lifting.
What should you check about the mattress before using it?
Ensure the mattress is appropriate for the patient and in good condition, especially for larger patients.
What happens if an employee is injured and unable to return to work?
If an employee is still unfit to return after WorkCover’s coverage period, it could mean the end of their employment if they can’t perform their role.
What is…
A legal process an employee may pursue if an employer is found to have not provided a safe working environment, potentially leading to compensation for damages but involving lengthy and complex legal procedures.
Common Law Claim
What is…
A term used to describe patients in a healthcare context, referring to their unpredictability and the lack of handles or support mechanisms, making them more challenging to move or lift safely.
Live Load
What must a patient be able to do for a standing machine to be used effectively?
The patient must be able to support their own body weight and maintain some level of balance.
How can rushing tasks contribute to injuries?
Rushing tasks can lead to accidents and injuries, such as falling or improper handling of patients, due to not taking adequate time for safe practices.
Define:
Slide Sheets
Equipment used to facilitate the smooth transfer of patients by reducing friction and the need for excessive physical effort.
What is…
A system involving tracks and lifting equipment installed above the bed to facilitate safe patient transfers and reduce physical strain on staff. It represents a modern advancement in patient handling equipment.
Overhead Tracking
How do you determine the level of assistance a patient needs?
Assess whether they are independent, need supervision, can assist, or are unable to assist, and document their level of dependency.
What is the first step you should take before performing a manual handling task?
Stop, assess, and plan what you’re doing.
What is…
Specialized care and manual handling techniques for patients with obesity or complex care needs, involving additional considerations and safety measures due to the increased risk associated with handling larger patients.
Bariatric Care
Why is it important to comply with manual handling procedures?
Compliance reduces the risk of injury and strain, helps maintain longevity in the profession, and reduces fatigue.
Define:
Standing Machines
Devices designed to assist patients in standing by providing support and stability. They require the patient to be able to support some of their own weight and are used to bring patients into a standing position safely.
Why is it important to keep equipment storage areas organized?
Organized storage areas prevent accidents and injuries related to tripping or mishandling equipment.
Where is the most significant risk when handling patients, on the bed or off the bed?
The most significant risk is off the bed due to the unpredictable nature of the patient and the lack of stable surfaces.
Define:
Manual Handling Regulations of 2017
Regulations that provide specific guidelines and requirements for safe manual handling practices to prevent injury and ensure safety in the workplace.
What can be the consequences of poor manual handling practices?
Consequences can range from minor injuries to more severe or lifelong injuries that may take a longer time to recover from.
Which of the following is a common injury resulting from improper manual handling?
a) Headache
b) Back strain
c) Broken wrist
d) Migraine
b) Back strain
Why is raising the bed important for preventing injuries?
Raising the bed helps avoid back strain and reduces the risk of injury from bending and twisting.
What is a recommended practice for transferring patients?
Transfer patients at the same level or lower; avoid moving someone uphill.
Define:
Common Law Claim
A legal process an employee may pursue if an employer is found to have not provided a safe working environment, potentially leading to compensation for damages but involving lengthy and complex legal procedures.
How do hover mats assist with patient transfers?
Hover mats inflate to hover the patient, allowing for safe movement with minimal effort.
What is…
Inflatable mats that lift patients with minimal physical effort, using air pressure to create a hover effect that makes it easier to move patients. They are used in conjunction with hover jacks for efficient patient transfers.
Hover Mats
What is…
A senior nursing professional with extensive experience who provides expert advice and support on clinical practices and health issues, often involved in training and safety management.
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Which piece of equipment is designed to reduce strain when moving patients?
a) Manual hoist
b) Hover mat
c) Ergonomic chair
d) Adjustable bed
b) Hover mat
What is a common cause of back strain related to manual handling in nursing?
One common cause is not raising the bed to an appropriate height, leading to bending and twisting.
What is…
A patient who can follow instructions, move their own body weight, and maintain balance without requiring substantial support from healthcare staff.
Independent Patient
Define:
Violence, Injury, Hazard Management System (VIHMS)
A system used to record and manage incidents related to occupational violence, manual handling, needle-stick injuries, and other workplace hazards.
What triggered the development of the No-Lift System?
The development was triggered by an incident where a midwife at Peninsula Health experienced a back spasm while assisting with a birth, which ended her nursing career.
What is…
Systematic recommendations based on evidence that guide clinical decision-making and practice. In this context, they refer to protocols for using equipment safely.
Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)
Why are nurses and midwives at a higher risk of injury?
Nurses and midwives are at a higher risk because they work with patients, who are unpredictable and do not have handles to assist with lifting or moving.
What should you do if you see someone taking shortcuts with patient handling?
Do not engage in those practices and emphasize the importance of using proper techniques from the start.
Define:
Shoulder Lift
A manual handling technique involving lifting a load using the shoulder and arm, which is not recommended for frequent or heavy lifting due to the risk of injury to the shoulder joint.
Define:
Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2004
A legislative framework that outlines the responsibilities of employers and employees to ensure a safe working environment and protect health and safety at work.
What is…
The process of moving, lifting, carrying, or supporting items or people, particularly in a healthcare setting, which requires proper techniques and safety measures to prevent injury.
Manual Handling
What is…
A system that provides compensation for workers who are injured on the job, covering medical expenses and time off work for up to 18 months to two years, depending on the severity of the injury.
WorkSafe’s WorkCover
What should you do if you only have one slide sheet available?
You should use two full-length slide sheets to safely move the patient; folding one in half compromises safety.
A position where the patient’s head is lower than their feet, often used in specific medical situations; it can be adjusted using modern bed mechanics.
Trendelenburg Position
