Patient Transfer and Body Mechanics

What is a draw sheet?

sheet placed under the patient (to be removed w/o disturbing the bed sheets)

What is a gait belt?

safety device use to help a patient move with added support and to minimize falls

What is orthostatic hypotension?

a drop in blood pressure due to position change (can include dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness)

What is sedation?

reduction in irritability by sedative drug administration

- used for medical procedures or diagnostic procedures

What is a slider board?

an equipment piece used if a person cannot use their LEGS to complete a transfer

What is a sliding mat?

an open-ended endless conveyor principle design which minimized the need for lifting or log-rolling to transfer or reposition a patient

HOW are we supposed to transport patients in a hospital setting?

with wheeled transport to ensure safety

When do we use a WHEELCHAIR to transfer a patient?

for patients who can sit upright

When do we use a STRETCHER to transfer a patient?

for patients who are too weak to sit

When do we use a CRIB to transfer a patient?

for small children

When do we use a INCUBATORS to transfer a patient?

for infants

What are the 6 steps to prepare for a transfer?

1. check with NURSING service and obtain the patient's chart

2. check patient ID

3. plan what you're going to DO and prepare work area

4. obtain EQUIPMENT and check for safety & function

5. enlist the patient's help and COOPERATION (communicate with them too!)

6. obtain more HELP if needed (communicate the helper's role too!)

What are the 4 steps for bed-to-wheelchair transfers?

1. lower bed to wheelchair & elevate head of bed

2. position & lock wheelchair when parallel to bed w/ footrests out of the way

3. from supine position, place each arm under patient's shoulders and under the knees THEN swoop them onto the edge of the bed to a sit up position

4. competent patients should stand and move to the wheelchair or a steadying hand is good practice too!

What are 2 things to keep in mind when getting a patient to sit up from the bed?

1. if they have back pain, it may be easier from a lateral recumbent position

2. assist with slippers and a robe and give time to help prevent orthostatic hypotension

With WHAT patients should you use a gait belt?

with weak and unsteady patients

What are the 5 steps with a gait belt transfer?

1. grasp gait belt with hands UNDERNEATH belt OR place hands on their scapulae w/ patient hands on your shoulders

2. help lift patient upward on your signal

3. use broad base of support and keep your back straight

4. instruct and assist patient to pivot a quarter turn so the back of the patient's knees touch the wheelchair THEN ease patient into a sitting position in the chair

5. position footrests and cover patient's lower body with sheet/blanket

Falls most commonly occur when the patient...

sits in the wheelchair by missing the edge of the seat or by tipping the chair

How can you prevent a wheelchair fall accident?

by locking the wheels of the chair & assist the patient until seated securely

What are the 4 steps for wheelchair to ADJUSTABLE x-ray transfers?

1. place wheelchair parallel to table, lock & move footrests out the way

2. adjust table to chair height

3. help patient stand and pivot

4. help ease them into a sitting position on the edge, facing away from table

What is the difference for a wheelchair to STATIONARY x-ray transfer?

instead of adjusting the table, you place a step stool w/ tall handle nearby THEN you have the patient place a hand on that stool handle with the other around your shoulder to step ON the stool

What do you do after the patient is seated at the edge on an x-ray table BEFORE the procedure?

1. raise the table (if possible) to help your back

2. put an arm around the patient's shoulders and an arm under the knees to move the patient into a supine position (can lie on one side if patient has back pain)

What are the 5 special consideratios for WHEELCHAIR TRANSFERS?

1. stroke victims

2. fractures of the lower extremity

3. joint replacement

4. spinal trauma or surgery

5. patients who cannot stand safely

What are the 3 methods of STRETCHER TRANSFERS?

1. draw sheet

2. slider board

3. slider mat

Safety side rails are required to be in an UP and LOCKED position when?

1. for patients who are impaired and unconscious

2. during transport

3. when patients are left unattended on a stretcher

What are the 5 rules of BODY MECHANICS?

1. provide a broad base of support

2. work at a comfortable height

3. when lifting, bend your knees & keep your back straight

4. keep your load well-balanced and close to your body

5. roll or push a heavy object (avoid pulling or lifting)