Ergonomic Principles and Client Positioning

Vocabulary flashcards covering ergonomic principles, body mechanics, injury prevention guidelines, and client positioning from Chapter 14.

Ergonomics

A science that focuses on the factors or qualities in an object's design or use that contribute to comfort, safety, efficiency, and ease of use.

Body Mechanics

The use of muscles to maintain balance, posture, and body alignment when performing a physical task.

Body Alignment

Positioning that keeps the center of gravity stable, promoting comfort and reducing strain on the muscles.

Center of Gravity

The center of a mass. In the upright human body, it is located at the pelvis.

Weight

A quantity of matter on which the force of gravity acts.

Situational Lifting Risk Factors

Factors that increase injury risk while lifting, such as twisting, lifting in a small space, kneeling or sitting, extending arms away from the body, and working longer than $8\,\text{hr}$.

Repetitive Movement Breaks

Taking a break every $15$ to $20\,\text{min}$ to flex and stretch joints and muscles to prevent repetitive movement injuries of the hands, wrists, and shoulders.

Semi-Fowler's Position

A position where the client lies supine with the head of the bed elevated $30^\circ$ to $45^\circ$; prevents regurgitation of enteral feedings and aspiration, and promotes lung expansion.

Fowler's Position

A position where the client lies supine with the head of the bed elevated $45^\circ$ to $60^\circ$; useful during procedures such as nasogastric tube insertion and suctioning, and promotes lung expansion.

High-Fowler's Position

A position where the client lies supine with the head of the bed elevated $60^\circ$ to $90^\circ$; lowers the diaphragm to relieve severe dyspnea and helps prevent aspiration during meals.

Supine or Dorsal Recumbent Position

A position where the client lies on their back with head and shoulders elevated on a pillow; utilizes a foot support to prevent foot drop and maintain proper alignment.

Prone Position

A position where the client lies flat on their abdomen and chest with head to one side; promotes drainage of respiratory secretions and allows full extension of hip and knee joints.

Lateral or Side-Lying Position

A position where the client lies on their side with most weight on the dependent hip and shoulder; promotes spinal alignment and reduces pressure on the sacrum and heels.

Lateral Semi-Prone Recumbent Position

A position where the client is on their side halfway between lateral and prone with weight on the anterior ileum, humerus, and clavicle; promotes drainage of secretions and reduces pressure on sacrum and hips.

Orthopneic Position

A position where the client sits in bed or at the bedside resting arms on a pillow over an overbed table across their lap; allows chest expansion and benefits clients with COPD.

Trendelenburg Position

A position where the entire bed is tilted with the head lower than the foot; facilitates postural drainage and venous return.

Reverse Trendelenburg Position

A position where the entire bed is tilted with the foot lower than the head; promotes gastric emptying and prevents esophageal reflux.

Modified Trendelenburg Position

A position where the client remains flat with legs elevated above the level of their heart; helps prevent and treat hypovolemia and facilitates venous return.