PN 1052 Unit 6 Mobility & Transfers Part 1 STUDENT

UNIT 6: SAFETY, ADLS, MOBILITY & TRANSFER SKILLS (PART 1) PN 1052

SCHEDULE UPDATE

  • Next Week: No guest speaker

  • This Week: Body Mechanics and It’s Your Move

  • Next Week's Topics:

    • Ambulation

    • Transferring & Positioning

    • Mobility/Immobility

  • Section A Reminder: Remembrance Day on Monday; attend Wednesday lecture live or watch the recording.

BODY MECHANICS

  • Definition: The relationship of body parts relative to one another, influencing safety and efficiency during activities.

KEY PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

  • Base of Support: Wider base increases stability.

  • Center of Gravity: Lowering center of gravity enhances stability.

  • Direction of Movement: Always face the direction of movement.

  • Balanced Use: Balance activity between arms and legs.

  • Techniques: Utilize leverage, rolling, turning, and pivoting to avoid friction.

  • Resting and Activity: Alternate periods of rest with activity. (Bower, J.L. 2024)

EVALUATING GOOD BODY MECHANICS

  • Six Pillars:

    1. Top Alignment: Ears in line with shoulders, shoulders in line with hips.

    2. Bottom Alignment: Tighten stomach, push buttocks back, keep body weight over heels; bend at hips, not the waist.

    3. Elbow Positioning: Tuck elbows into sides.

    4. Grip Technique: Use palms-up grip for better stability.

    5. Comfort Zone: Maintain movements between shoulders and hips, with elbows bent at sides.

    6. Weight Transfer: Stand with a stable base; transfer weight side to side and front to back.

IMPORTANCE OF BODY ALIGNMENT & POSITIONING

  • Safe patient transfer techniques lead to optimal independence for patients and reduce injury risks for healthcare providers. (Buchanan, T. 2025)

  • Injury Statistics: Hospitals report high rates of injury and illness in Canada.

  • Programs Implemented:

    • Ergonomic assessments

    • Patient assessment criteria for safe handling

    • Equipment conveniently located for transfers

    • Back-injury prevention resources

    • Knowledge application reviews

    • No-lift policy mandated (Bower, J.L. 2024)

CONDITIONS AFFECTING BODY MECHANICS

  • Not everyone can always use proper body mechanics. Factors may include:

    • Congenital abnormalities

    • Disorders of bones, joints, and muscles

    • CNS damage and disorders

    • Other chronic diseases

    • Musculoskeletal trauma (Bower, J.L. 2024)

HAZARD ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS

  • Key components before assisting a patient:

    • Physical and emotional state of the patient

    • Training and experience level of staff

    • Team communication

    • Equipment availability

    • Work surfaces and lighting considerations

    • Minimize noise and distractions

    • Assess cognitive and emotional/behavioral conditions

    • Conduct client and environmental assessments

  • Include all measures for thorough hazard assessment before patient assistance.

IT'S YOUR MOVE! PHILOSOPHY

  • More than a back care program; represents a comprehensive safety philosophy and a shift in perspective.

LAB REMINDER

  • Complete required modules on BB for lab access this week.

  • Screenshot or print certificates as entry proof for lab activities.

CASE STUDY & QUESTIONS

  • Address any uncertainties regarding body mechanics and practice techniques.

  • Utilize lecture time for module completion and lab preparation.

REFERENCES

  • Bower, J.L. (2024). Body Mechanics in Nursing.

  • Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). It’s Your Move! Annual Overview module.

  • Buchanan, T. (2025). Safe patient handling, transfer, and positioning.

  • Potter & Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing and Clinical Nursing references.