Positioning, Transfers, & Ambulation

This flashcard set covers essential vocabulary and procedures related to patient positioning, body mechanics, weight-bearing statuses, and mobility assessment tools based on the nursing lecture notes.

ADL’s

Activities of daily living.

Friction

When 2 forces rub together.

Shear

Force exerted to the skin while it remains stationary, and the bony structures move.

Gait

The term that describes a particular manner or style of walking.

ROM

Range of motion; the first assessment technique used to determine the degree of limitation or injury to a joint.

Body Mechanics

The use of body alignment, posture, and balance to perform tasks safely and effectively.

Fowler’s

A position where the head of the bed is elevated, the patient's head rests against the mattress or a small pillow, and heels are typically "floated."

Supine

Positioning a client on their back with the head of the bed flat.

Prone

Positioning a client on their abdomen with the head turned to one side.

Lateral

A side-lying position where the client's lower extremities are flexed at the hips and knees, with the top leg supported by pillows.

Sims’

A semi-prone position where the client is on their side, partially on the abdomen.

Logrolling

A technique used to move a patient while maintaining straight body alignment.

Hoyer Lift

A mechanical device used to raise a client off a mattress using a sling and straps for transfer to another location.

Full Weight Bearing (FWB)

A status where there are no weight bearing restrictions and the patient can bear full body weight on involved extremities.

Partial Weight Bearing (PWB)

A restriction where the patient can bear $50\%$ (or a specified amount) of the body weight on the involved extremity.

Toe Touch Weight Bearing (TTWB)

A status where the patient can place the foot of the involved extremity on the floor for balance but bear no body weight on it.

Non Weight Bearing (NWB)

A status where no weight is placed on the involved extremity and the foot should be off the floor while standing.

Weight Bearing As Tolerated (WBAT)

A status with no restrictions other than comfort; the patient bears as much weight as is comfortable.

Virchow’s Triad

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism: hypercoagulability, venous wall abnormalities, and blood flow stasis.

Sequential Compression Devices (SCD)

Mechanical prophylaxis sleeves wrapped around a client's leg to prevent deconditioning and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

B.M.A.T.

Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool for Nurses; a tool used to determine a patient's mobility level (Level 1 to 4) and appropriate equipment.