Pre Nursing - Body Mechanics

body mechanics

_______ is moving and positioning the body in ways to prevent injury to oneself and to others

back injury

what is the most common injury to health care workers?

standing, sitting, walking, lying

good posture should be used when

bend at the hips and knees, keep back tight

how should one bend when lifting an item?

lean into the push with body weight, do not arch back, use two hands

how should a health care worker push an object?

it should be inspected, both wheels should be locked and footrests moved to the side

How is a wheelchair prepared, before the patient sits in it?

with feet resting in the footrests and has any necessary accessories available

How should a patient be positioned in a wheelchair?

on ramps

Under what circumstances, should a wheelchair be pulled backwards?

strangulation, entrapment, bruises, cuts, and feelings of isolation

What risks do side rails present?

feet first

Which direction should a patient be pushed on a stretcher?

they prevent a patient from moving freely

Why may side rails and safety straps be considered restraints?

transfer belt

A _____________________________
is a piece of equipment used to help patients stand and walk.

abdominal/rib injuries, abdominal aneurysm, certain back injuries, advanced heart/lung disease, pregnancy, colostomy, gastrostomy tube

What conditions might prevent the use of a transfer belt?

Around waist over clothing

Where on a patient is a transfer belt placed?

pressure ulcers

__________ are skin and tissue injuries caused by unrelieved pressure on specific areas of the body.

decubitus ulcers/bedsores

What are two other names for pressure ulcers?

prolonged pressure which prevents circulation, pressure on bony prominence, friction against bed linens, shearing, moisture/dry skin

What conditions may increase a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers?

pressure points

______________ are bony areas that bear the weight of the body in certain positions.

elderly/thin people, obese, diabetic people, poorly nourished/dehydrated, incontinent

What kind of patients are pressure ulcers most common in?

stage 4 pressure ulcer

Muscle, tendon, and bone are exposed and are visibly damaged. Drainage is likely.

stage 1 pressure ulcer

Skin is intact, but a red or bluish-grey color. Color does not return to normal when the skin is relieved of pressure.

stage 2 pressure ulcer

Tissue damage is visible on the top layer of skin. The skin has cracked, blistered, or peeled over the wound.

stage 3 pressure ulcer

A deep, open crater forms and reveals damaged, underlying tissue. Drainage is likely.

location, appearance, size and depth, drainage, odor, condition of surrounding skin

What observations should be made when reporting a pressure ulcer?

decrease skin pressure/promote cleanliness

How can health care workers reduce the risk of a patient developing pressure ulcers?

at least every 2 hours

How often should patients be turned?

sliding causes shearing which can lead to pressure ulcers

Why is it important for a patient to be moved up after sliding down?

patients who cannot move themselves, are unconscious or paralyzed, have spinal cord injuries, or are elderly

On which patients must a draw sheet be used?

two

How many people are needed to move a patient without a draw sheet?

turning

__________ requires only one health care worker and can be used on most patients.

logrolling

__________ requires two health care workers and uses a draw sheet to roll the patient in one swift motion.

elderly/arthritis or spinal injuries

Which patients is logrolling recommended for?

allows a patient who has been lying down to adjust to an upright position

What is dangling used for?

orthostatic hypotension

_______ ___________ is a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person moves quickly from one position to another position.

dizziness, blurred vision, syncope, loss of consciousness

What are the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension?

for a patient's comfort and well-being

Why is proper positioning important?

pillows, towel/trochanter rolls, special boots

What are some supportive devices that can be used?

patient lies face-up, head and neck are supported by a pillow and arms are at the sides

How is a patient positioned in the supine position?

lies face up, the bed is elevated, head and neck are supported, each elbow is supported with a pillow

How is a patient positioned in the Fowler's position?

lying face-down on a flat mattress, head is turned to one side and supported by a pillow

How is a patient positioned in the prone position?

lying face-down on a flat mattress, head is turned to one side and supported by a pillow, arm in back is by side and other arm is bent by head, one leg extended and one bent

How is a patient positioned in the Sim's position?

patient lies on the side on a flat mattress, head and neck are supported, pillow is placed behind patient's back, lower arm is bent by head, upper is supported by pillow

How is a patient positioned in the lateral position?

flat on the floor or in wheelchair footrests

Where should a patient's feet be when in a wheelchair?

every 15 minutes

How often should patients reposition themselves?

two-person method

Which method is used for patients that are not able to assist with repositioning?

moving a patient from one place to another

What is a transfer?

bed to wheelchair,bed to stretcher, wheelchair to toilet, wheelchair to car

What are some common transfers?

at their sides or on your arms

Where should the patient's hands be during a transfer?

pain, dizziness, fatigue, increased pulse, difficulty breathing

What patient conditions should be observed during a transfer?

heavy, unbalanced, unable to bear body weight

What kind of patients might mechanical lifts be used for?

patient can understand/follow directions, bear weight on body and ambulate, not too large

What conditions must be true in order to use a transfer belt?

non-skid shoes/slippers

What should be on the patient's feet during a transfer?

on shoulders/by side

Where should the patient's hands be during a transfer?

cannot support sitting position, must stay in a lying position for medical reasons, are seriously ill

What kinds of patients are stretchers used for?

draw sheet

What item is used in most facilities for bed and stretcher transfers?

at least two

How many people should be used in a bed and stretcher transfer?

non-slip shoes or slippers

What should the patient be wearing on the feet during a transfer?

Why are elevated toilet seats and grab bars installed?

for patients to not have to bend as far and be able to support themselves

changes: pain, dizziness, fatigue, increased pulse rate, difficulty breathing

What should be reported about the patient's physical condition during a transfer?

two door cars

What kinds of vehicles are preferred for vehicle transfers?

passenger seat

Which seat should the patient be transferred to?

changes: pain, dizziness, fatigue, increased pulse rate, difficulty breathing

What should be reported about the patient's physical condition?