Chapter 15 Body Mechanics Health Tech 1

Objectives Define the key terms in this chapter Explain the purpose and rules of body mechanics Explain how ergonomics can prevent workplace

accidents Identify the causes, signs, and symptoms of back injuries Identify comfort and safety measures for lifting, turning,

and moving persons in bed Explain how to safely perform transfers Explain why body alignment and position changes are

important Identify the comfort and safety measures for positioning

a person Position persons in the basic bed positions and in a chair Perform the procedures described in this chapter

BODY MECHANICS

Body mechanics means using the body in an efficient and careful way to reduce the risk of injury.

Body alignment (posture) is the way the head, trunk, arms, and legs are aligned with one another.

All activities require good body mechanics. Good alignment is necessary when standing,

sitting, or lying down.

principles of body mechanics

base of support is needed for balance. Stand with your feet apart for a wider base of support and

more balance. strongest and largest muscles are in the shoulders, upper arms,

hips,and thighs. Use these muscles to lift and move heavy objects.

Using small muscles to lift and move heavy objects causes fatigue and injury.

Back injuries are a major risk. Bend your knees and squat to lift a heavy object. Hold items close to your body and your base of support.

APPLICATION #1

View each manikin and identify what is wrong with the body position of the manikin. Record your observations on a piece of paper. After all groups have finished with observations we will review the answers.

ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job to fit the worker.

The goal is to prevent serious and disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders or(MSDs).

ERGONOMICS -MSDs

MSDs are injuries and disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage

1. The nervous system is also involved.

2. The arms and back are often affected.o can develop slowly or occur from one event.o MSDs are serious workplace health hazards.

ERGONOMICS -MSDs

Signs and symptoms include:Pain when trying to assume a normal postureDecreased mobilityPain when standing or rising from a seated

position

ERGONOMICS -MSDs factors leading to back disorders:

Reaching while liftingPoor posture when sitting or standingStaying in one position too longPoor body mechanics when lifting, pushing,

pulling, or

carrying objectsPoor physical conditionRepeated lifting of awkward items, equipment,

or persons

ERGONOMICS -MSDs

Twisting while lifting Bending while lifting Maintaining a bent posture Heavy lifting Fatigue Poor footing, such as on slippery floors Lifting with forceful movement

POSITIONING THE PERSON

WHAT’S

WRONG

WITH THIS

PICTURE??

POSITIONING THE PERSON

PROPERLY POSITIONED AT ALL TIMESCOMFORTBREATHING EASIERPROMOTION OF CIRCULATIONPREVENTION OF PRESSURE ULCERSPREVENTION OF ATROPHY AND

CONTRACTURES

POSITIONING THE PERSON

FOWLER’S POSITION SUPINE POSITION PRONE POSITION LATERAL POSITION SIMS’ POSITION CHAIR POSITION

CHAPTER 16: MOVING AND TRANSFERRING THE PERSON

HEALTH TECH 1

MRS. CARPENTER

Turning and Repositioning

Turn schedules Move from bed to chair, stretcher or toilet

TRANSFER=moving the person from one place to another.

Preventing work-related Injuries

OSHA recommendationsManual lifting be minimized in all casesManual lifting be eliminated if possibleMoving a person safely is determined by the

health team Dependence level (box 16-2) Amount of assistance needed Procedure to use Equipment needed

LIFTING AND MOVING PERSONS IN BED

Differing abilities of patientsself two or three people mechanical lift

Comfort and safety are a priority Protect the skin during lifting and moving.

LIFTING AND MOVING PERSONS IN BED improperly moving causes

Friction rubbing of one surface against another

Shearing skin sticks to a surface and muscles slide

LIFTING AND MOVING PERSONS IN BED Reduce friction and shearing

roll or lift the person. use Turn sheets or special turning pads Ask co-workers to help before starting the procedure. Cover and screen the person to protect the right to

privacy. Protect tubes or drainage containers connected to the

person.

Procedures

Raising the person’s head and shoulders Moving the person up in bed

for good alignment and comfort.move children up in bed alone. lightweight adults up in bed alone with

trapeze.using a lift sheet with help is best two workers are needed to move heavy,

weak, and very old persons up in bed.

Procedures

Moving the person up in bed with a lift sheeteasier with co-worker helpFriction and shearing are reducedThe procedure is used for:

those who cannot move themselves unconscious or paralyzed spinal cord surgery or spinal cord injuries Older persons

APPLICATION #2

Raising the person’s head and shoulders. Moving the person up in bed Moving the person up in bed with a lift sheetMoving the person to the side of the bed

TURNING PERSONS

Persons are turned toward or away from you. depends on the person’s condition and the situation.

Turning persons onto their sides prevent complications from bed rest

After turning position the person in good alignment. Use Pillows to support the person.

Logrolling

turning as a unit, in alignment ,one motion the spine is kept straight. Procedure used for:

Older persons with arthritic spines or knees Persons who are recovering from hip fractures Persons with spinal cord injuries Persons who are recovering from spinal surgery

Two or three staff members are needed. A turn sheet is sometimes used.

APPLICATION #3

TURNING TOWARD TURNING AWAY LOGROLLING

SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE BED (DANGLING)

Purpose increase activity in stages. after surgery.

coughs deep breathes moves the legs in circles

Two staff members may be needed. If dizziness or fainting occurs, lay the person

down. older adult may become dizzy or faint when getting up

too fast.

TRANSFERRING PERSONS

moving the person from one place to another. by one, two, or three person lifts Applying transfer belts

supports persons who are unsteady or disabled Helps prevent falls and other injuries Applied to the waist to support the person used for walking with a person.

Applying a Transfer Belt

RulesPlace buckle on the side or toward back.Ensure proper tightnessApply over clothingRemove when procedure is complete

Bed-to-chair or wheelchair transfers

The procedure depends on the person’s abilities Condition size.

If the person cannot assist, a mechanical lift is used. For hemiplegia transfer on strong side wheelchair cushions or positioning devices May be used

to prevent pressure ulcers Maintain posture prevent the person from sliding forward.

Ask the nurse how to properly use and place the devices.

APPLICATION #4

APPLY A GAIT BELTTRANSFER FROM BED TO WHEELCHAIR

Reposition in a chair or Wheelchair

ConsiderationsAlignment and safetyAbility of the personMechanical liftReclining chair

See page 270

APPLICATION

WORKBOOK #1-85