Unit 10 & 11 Patient Care

Good body mechanics involve?

Using legs and arms, keep back straight, bend at hips/knees, avoid twisting, hold objects close, ask for help.

Strongest muscles for lifting?

Legs, thighs, buttocks, shoulders, upper arms.

OSHA risk factors for injuries?

Repetition, heavy lifting, awkward postures, vibration, contact stress

Benefits of regular position changes?

Prevent pressure ulcers, contractures, lung problems, improve circulation, reduce risk of blood clots

Safest way to reposition a resident in bed?

Support the resident with pillow or draw sheets, move in segments, avoid twisting, move slowly, explain steps

Semi-fowlers

HOB 30-45°, back supported, legs flat/slightly up. Comfort and light eating.

Fowlers?

HOB 45-60°, legs flat/slightly bent. Meals, breathing and conversation

High Fowler’s

HOB 60-90°, almost sitting up, legs flat. Eating, severe breathing difficulties, tube feeding.

Supine?

Lying on back, head up. General rest and examination.

Prone?

Lying on stomach, head to side. Lung expansion and prevents some contractions.

Lateral

Lying on left or right side. Rest, pressure relief, procedures.

Sims’

Left side lying, right leg bent, left leg straight. Rectal exams or treatments.

Chair position?

Sitting upright, back straight, feet flat. Meals mobility or social interaction.

What is shearing & how does it occur?

When the skin stays in place while under muscles & bones move. Can tear tissue and increase risk of pressure ulcers.

What is friction & what can it lead to?

The rubbing of the skin against a surface. Can cause tissue damage, skin breakdown, pressure ulcers & infection.

When moving a person in segments, what should be moved first?

Head & shoulders then work lower. Keeps spine aligned.

If a resident feels dizzy while dangling at the edge of the bed?

Lay them back down and ensure safety then go call the nurse.

What makes a lift underpad safe to use?

Must be strong enough to support full weight.

For a resident w/ right side weakness, which side should they dangle on?

The strong side (left) to support and prevent falls.

Preferred method for transferring residents w/o a mechanical lift?

Using gait belt while holding resident close, guiding steps and making clear path.

How should mechanical lift be used safely?

Check resident’s weight against the lifts capacity, use the correct sling, brakes locked and have them cross arms over chest.

Transferring resident from wheelchair to the toilet?

Wheelchair locked and close to toilet, toilet should have raised seat if needed, caregiver provide support while standing bedside or slightly behind the resident.

What is deconditioning & what causes it?

The loss of muscle strength, function, and endurance due to inactivity.

What is a contracture?

Permanent shortening of a muscle or tendon causing immobility in joint from lack of movement.

How does resident position change prevent pneumonia?

It allows the lungs to properly ventilate and clear secreations.

Why is a resident on bedrest at higher risk for UTI’s

Immobility makes it harder to fully empty the bladder.

What is an abrasion

Skin rubbed away from friction.

What is a laceration?

A tear in the tissue with jagged edges.

Common causes of ulcers in the feet and legs?

Decreased blood flow in arteries or veins

Why should a diabetic resident’s feet be checked daily?

They may not feel injuries due to neuropathy and this can lead to infection or ulcers.

What type of food is best for wound healing?

High-protein foods?

What is a stage two ulcer?

Partial-thickness skin loss, presenting a blister or open sore.

What is the difference between unavoidable and avoidable pressure ulcers?

Avoidable occurs when proper care was not given; unavoidable occurs despite proper care.

What does it mean when a wound is colonized?

Bacteria are present but not causing infection.

How should ankle swelling be managed?

Report immediately to the nurse and monitor for further symptoms.

What causes pressure sores, and where are they most commonly found?

Caused primarily by prolonged pressure reducing blood flow; most common on the sacrum, heels, elbows, and hips.

Who performs PROM exercises?

CNAs perform passive exercises

How should the head of the bed be positioned for passive range of motion?

Flat or slightly elevated

How should a resident be supported when ambulating with a gait belt?

Stand slightly behind and to the side of the resident, place the gait belt around the waist, and hold it firmly to guide and prevent falls.

How does the CNA know how far to ambulate a resident?

Follow the care plan, monitor for fatigue, dizziness, or pain, and never exceed the resident’s tolerance.

What exercises are performed for the shoulder?

Flexion, extension, abduction