Chapter 18: Body Mechanics

Vocabulary and key principles from Chapter 18 regarding body mechanics, ergonomics, and patient positioning.

Body mechanics

Using the body in an efficient and careful way, involving good posture, balance, and using the strongest and largest muscles for work.

Body alignment

Also called posture; the way the head, trunk, arms, and legs are aligned with one another to let the body move and function with strength and efficiency.

Base of support

The area on which an object rests, which is needed for balance.

Ergonomics

The science of designing a job to fit the worker, with the goal of eliminating serious and disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Injuries and disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage, which can also involve the nervous system.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The organization that identifies MSD risk factors for the nursing team and requires a safe work setting free of hazards.

Force

An MSD risk factor involving the amount of physical effort needed to perform a task.

Repeating action

An MSD risk factor involving doing the same motion or series of motions continually or frequently.

Awkward postures

An MSD risk factor involving assuming positions that place stress on the body.

Heavy lifting

An MSD risk factor involving manually lifting people who cannot move themselves.

Fowler’s position

A semi-sitting position where the head of the bed is raised $45$ to $60$ degrees.

Supine position

The back-lying position, also known as the dorsal recumbent position.

Prone position

A position in which the person lies on the abdomen with the head turned to one side.

Lateral position

Also known as the side-lying position; the person lies on one side or the other.

Sims’ position

Also known as the semi-prone side position; a left side-lying position.

Repositioning

The requirement that a person in a bed or chair is moved at least every $2$ hours.