Body Mechanics Lesson 2 Body Mechanics for Patients

Body Mechanics Lesson 2: Body Mechanics for Patients

Lesson 2 – Body Mechanics for Patients Body mechanics is moving and positioning the body in ways that prevent injury to oneself and to others. Not only is it important for health care workers to use correct body mechanics in their own motions, but they must also help patients use these principles.

Lesson 2 – Rehabilitation and Geriatrics Principles of body mechanics are especially useful for patients in rehabilitation and geriatric patients who must adapt to physical limitations. Therapists often teach patients how to use specialized equipment to help maintain proper body mechanics in daily living.

Lesson 2 – Standard Bed Positions When positioning patients in bed, it is important to consider the patient’s comfort, as well as how the body will be affected. Health care workers must help patients keep their spines straight and avoid twisting.

Lesson 2 – Side-Lying Position Used for comfort and sleeping Helps to keep the airways clear for semiconscious and unconscious patients

Lesson 2 – Supine Position Used for comfort and sleeping Used to limit a patient’s movement after certain surgical procedures

Lesson 2 – Prone Position Used for comfort and sleeping Used for back treatments or examinations

Lesson 2 – Fowler’s Position Used for patients with respiratory or cardiovascular problems Semi-Fowler’s position is a 45° angle. Full-Fowler’s position is a 90° angle.