Clinical Nursing Skills: Positioning, Mobility, and Fall Prevention

Vocabulary flashcards covering patient positioning, mobility techniques, clinical definitions like orthostatic hypotension, and safe client-handling procedures.

Semi-Fowler's Position

A position where the head of the bed is placed at a $30$- to $45$-degree angle, often selected over Fowler's because it results in less pressure on the coccyx area.

Trendelenburg Position

A position where the head of the bed is placed lower than the client's feet, used to promote venous return to the head and heart during medical emergencies or severe hypotension.

Tripod Position

A position where the client leans forward while sitting with their elbows on their knees or resting on a table to enhance lung expansion and air exchange.

Friction and Shear

Mechanical forces that should be minimized when repositioning a client in bed to prevent the formation of pressure injuries.

Proper Body Mechanics

The practice of keeping the back straight and neutral, feet shoulder-width apart, and tightening gluteal and abdominal muscles to prevent back injury during client care.

Vertigo

A sensation of dizziness characterized by the feeling that the room is spinning.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A clinical finding defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of $20\,mmHg$ or more, or a drop of diastolic blood pressure of $10\,mmHg$ or more, within three minutes of sitting or standing.

Dangling

The process of sitting a client on the side of the bed for a few minutes with their legs hanging before attempting transfer or ambulation to check for dizziness or blood pressure drops.

Ambulation

The ability of a client to safely walk independently, with assistance from another person, or with an assistive device such as a cane, walker, or crutches.

Gait Belt

A device applied snugly over clothing and around the waist used to steady and support a client during standing, walking, or transfers.

Lowering a Client to the Floor

A controlled technique used when a client begins to fall from a standing position, involving moving behind the client, supporting the waist, and sliding them down the nurse's leg while protecting their head.

One-Person Assist Transfer Criteria

Standard requirements for safe transfer including being cooperative, predictable, able to bear weight on both legs, and able to take small steps and pivot.