Chapter 10 Vocab (Junior Year)

Positioning, Transfers, and Ambulation

Alignment

Based on the word line; a body is in alignment when a straight line could be drawn through the center of his body and his center of gravity

Base of Support

The foundation that supports an object

Center of Gravity

The point in the body where the most weight is concentrated

Fulcrum and Lever

A means of moving an object by resting it on a base of support; a seesaw is an example of a fulcrum and lever

Positioning

The act of helping people into positions that promote comfort and health

Supine

Body position in which a person lies flat on his back

Lateral

Body position in which a person is lying on either side

Prone

Body position in which a person is lying on his stomach, or front side of the body

Fowler’s

A semi-sitting body position, in which a person’s head and shoulders are elevated 45 to 60 degrees

Sims’

Body position in which a person is lying on his left side with the upper knee flexed and raised toward the chest

Draw Sheet

An extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet; used for moving residents

Shearing

Rubbing or friction that results from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction

Logrolling

Moving a person as a unit, without disturbing the alignment of the body

Dangle

To sit up with the legs hanging over the side of the bed in order to regain balance and stabilize blood pressure

Ergonomics

The science of designing equipment, areas, and work tasks to make them safer and to suit the worker’s abilities

Transfer/Gait Belt

A belt made of canvas or other heavy material that is used to help people who are weak, unsteady, or uncoordinated to transfer

Slide Board

A wooden board that helps transfer people who are unable to bear weight on their legs; also called transfer board

Ambulation

Walking

Ambulatory

Capable of walking

C Cane

A straight cane with a curved handle at the top

Functional Grip Cane

Can that has a straight grip handle

Quad Cane

Can that has four rubber-tipped feet and a rectangular base

Walker

A type of walking aid with four rubber-tipped feet and/or wheels that provides stability when a person is unsteady or lacks balance