Body Mechanics and Assisting Patients with Medical Equipment Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive practice questions covering body mechanics, patient transfer techniques, and the management of medical equipment based on hospital safety standards.

According to OSHA, which work environment is considered one of the most dangerous places to work?

A hospital

What is identified as the leading cause of injury to health care workers?

Improper use of body mechanics

Which type of musculoskeletal disorder is seen most frequently in health-care workers?

Lower back injuries

What policy replaces manual lifting, transferring, and repositioning of patients with mechanical devices?

Minimal lift policy

How is 'Body Mechanics' defined in health care context?

The way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts

What are three primary instruction rules when lifting any object?

Take a wide stance, lift with your legs, and avoid twisting your trunk

From which two Greek words does 'Ergonomics' derive, and what do they mean?

Ergos meaning “work” and Nomos meaning “lows”

What is the definition of the 'Center of Gravity' (CG)?

The point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that the body remains in equilibrium

Where is the Center of Gravity (COG) located for most persons?

Close to the sacrum

What is the 'Base of Support' (BOS)?

The area around the outside edge of the sections of your body in contact with the ground or surface

What is the relationship between the base of support and stability?

The larger the base of support, the more stability is provided

When are humans considered most stable in terms of center of gravity?

When the center of gravity is above the body’s point of contact with the ground (base of support)

What are the 'Limits of Stability' (LOS)?

The maximum distance an individual is able or willing to move their center of mass in any direction without loss of balance or changing the base of support

How can you improve stability when lifting a patient or object?

By keeping the added weight as close to your center of gravity as possible

How far apart should your feet be positioned to maintain a broad base of support during a lift?

$12\,\text{inches}$ apart with one foot slightly forward

When moving large, heavy objects, should you push or pull?

Push whenever possible

Which four items are identified as common patient transfer items?

Wheelchairs, stretchers, slider boards, and waist (gait) belts

How should a $3\text{-year-old}$ pediatric patient be transported from a pediatric unit to radiology?

In a crib with both side rails up

Towards which side of the patient should you always help them transfer?

Towards their stronger side

If assisting a patient to remove clothing before a transfer, which side should be removed first?

The unaffected side

What are the five wheelchair transfer methods mentioned in the notes?

The two-person lift, the three-person lift, the standby assist, the hydraulic lift, and the assisted standing pivot

In a two-person wheelchair lift, which person should provide the commands for the lift?

The person lifting the patient’s torso

How should the person lifting the torso position themselves in a two-person wheelchair lift?

Stand behind the patient with arms under axillae and grasping the patient’s forearms

What is the role of the second person in a two-person wheelchair lift?

Squatting in front of the patient and supporting the thighs with one hand and the calves with the other

When is the 'Standby Assist' method utilized?

For patients who are capable of transferring themselves

What device is used during an 'Assisted Standing Pivot' for manual assistance?

A gait belt or transfer belt

Where should a technologist place their foot and knee during an assisted standing pivot for added stability?

Place one foot next to the patient's foot and the knee against the inside surface of the patient’s knee

What is the specific method used for moving patients with suspected spinal injuries?

Log rolling

What are the requirements for the heights of the bed and stretcher during a transfer?

They must be flat and equal in height

Where should the two persons be positioned during a bed-to-stretcher transfer?

One person supports the pelvis and legs; the other person supports the head and shoulders while giving instructions

How should a slider board be positioned for a safe transfer?

So that the gap between the table and stretcher is covered

What is the recommended number of persons to perform a transfer using a slider board?

Three persons

For which specific patient population is the hydraulic lift often used?

Larger or bariatric patients

In a hydraulic lift system, which chains are used for the seat portion of the sling?

The longer chains

How should chains be hooked when using a hydraulic lift sling?

From the inside of the sling to the outside

Which medical conditions might prevent the use of a gait belt?

Ostomy, hernias, severe respiratory conditions, pregnancy, or recent abdominal/back surgery (within last $6-8\,\text{weeks}$)

How snug should a gait belt be adjusted?

Snug enough that you can only place an open hand between the belt and the person

How long does it typically take for capital investment in safe patient handling equipment to be recovered?

Fewer than five years

Where should an IV bag be kept in relation to the vein?

$18-24\,\text{inches}$ above the level of the vein

What is the definition of a ventilator?

A mechanical respirator attached to an artificial airway

What does it mean if a patient is 'intubated'?

A tube has been inserted into the trachea

What is a tracheostomy?

A surgical opening of the trachea to provide a secure and open airway

What sounds might indicate that a tracheostomy patient requires suctioning?

Gurgling or rattling sounds

How is medical oxygen legally classified?

As a drug

Who must prescribe medical oxygen and specify its rate?

A physician or physician’s assistant

What is the most commonly utilized oxygen delivery device?

The nasal cannula

What is the minimum flow rate required for a non-rebreather mask?

$$12\,\text{liters per minute}$$

What are the common symptoms of inadequate oxygenation?

Dyspnea, cyanosis, and distension of the veins of the neck

Why should a patient with breathing difficulty be assisted to a semi-Fowler position?

Because it is more difficult to breathe in a recumbent position

When might suctioning be necessary for a patient?

When the patient is unconscious, coughing is ineffective, or secretions have high volume and high viscosity

What are the primary uses for a Nasogastric (NG) tube?

Feeding, gastric suction, gastric decompression, or removing fluids/gas

Give two examples of Nasogastric tube types.

Levin (single lumen) and Salem Sump (double lumen)

Where must the drainage bag for a Foley urinary catheter always be placed?

Below the level of the bladder

What is the number one cause of nosocomial infections in hospitals?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

What is the purpose of a Thoracostomy (chest) tube?

To remove fluid or air from the pleural space

List four examples of Central Venous Lines (CVCs).

Port-a-Cath, Hickman, Raaf, and PICC line

Where is the correct placement for the distal radiopaque tip of a CVC?

In the vena cava (superior or inferior) near the right atrium

What are Swan-Ganz catheters used to monitor?

Cardiac output (pumping ability) in critically ill patients

Where are pacemaker wires typically advanced to in the heart?

The right side of the heart, specifically the apex of the right ventricle or the right atrium and right ventricle

What activity must be avoided for $24\,\text{hours}$ following pacemaker insertion?

Elevating or abducting the patient’s left arm