Chapter 4
Safety, transfer and positioning
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire prevention electrical failure Code for fire Electrical shock
FALLS, COLLISION.SPILLS
MOBILE X-RAY UNITS C-ARMS OTHER EQUIPMENT DARKROOM CHEMICALS
MRI SAFETY Pg. 773, Bontrager Anything that is
ferromagnetic can be a danger in the MRI room
pacemakers ferromagnetic
aneurysm clips metallic fragment in
eye
cochlear implants makeup oxygen tanks credit cards jewelry
Head Injuries
Appropriate to have head elevated 30 degrees to facilitate drainage.
Do not reduce elevation without permission from appropriate health care team member
BODY MECHANICS
Minimizing injury
Radiographers lift, move and transfer patients daily
Proper body mechanics will prevent injury esp. to lower back
Ergonomics or biomechanics: branch of science which applies the laws of physics regarding the action of forces on our bodies.
BASE OF SUPPORT
CENTER OF GRAVITY
CENTER OF GRAVITY OVER
BASE OF SUPPORT
MUSCLES
Mobility: in limbs• long white tendons• cross two or more joints (biceps)
Stability: in torso• red muscle• provide postural support (latissimus dorsi)
USE MOBILITY MUSCLES FOR LIFTING; STABILITY MUSCLES FORSUPPORT.
More terms to learn
Recumbent supine prone lateral recumbent (rt
or lt) Sims Fowlers Trendelenberg
Knee to chest lithotomy decubitus ulcer
ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION
Drop in BP when standing up More prevalent in bedridden patients Symptoms:
• dizziness• fainting• blurred vision• slurred speech• NEVER SEND A SYMPTOMATIC PATIENT ON
THEIR WAY!!!!!
Hints for effective, safe transfer
Inquire Check chart “transferer” should
establish good (wide) base of support
“Transferer’s” and patient’s center of gravity should be close together
Keep back stationary Do all lifting with legs Be close to area where
patient is being placed pivot On stretcher..use sheet See mummy
technique,pg 121