Chapter 15 Body Mechanics Health Tech 1 Objectives

Chapter 15 Body Mechanics Health Tech 1

Objectives n n n n n 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 n n 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 n n 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. ¨ n n Bend your knees and squat to lift a heavy object. Hold items close to your body and your base of support.

APPLICATION #1 n 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. n The goal is to prevent serious and disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders or(MSDs). n

ERGONOMICS -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. n can develop slowly or occur from one event. o MSDs are serious workplace health hazards. o

ERGONOMICS -MSDs n Signs and symptoms include: ¨ Pain when trying to assume a normal posture ¨ Decreased mobility ¨ Pain when standing or rising from a seated position

ERGONOMICS -MSDs n factors leading to back disorders: ¨ Reaching while lifting ¨ Poor posture when sitting or standing ¨ Staying in one position too long ¨ Poor body mechanics when lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects ¨ Poor physical condition ¨ Repeated lifting of awkward items, equipment, or persons

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

POSITIONING THE PERSON WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? ?

POSITIONING THE PERSON n PROPERLY POSITIONED AT ALL TIMES ¨ COMFORT ¨ BREATHING EASIER ¨ PROMOTION OF CIRCULATION ¨ PREVENTION OF PRESSURE ULCERS ¨ PREVENTION OF ATROPHY AND CONTRACTURES

POSITIONING THE PERSON FOWLER’S POSITION n SUPINE POSITION n PRONE POSITION n LATERAL POSITION n SIMS’ POSITION n CHAIR POSITION n

CHAPTER 16: MOVING AND TRANSFERRING THE PERSON HEALTH TECH 1 MRS. CARPENTER

Turning and Repositioning Turn schedules n Move from bed to chair, stretcher or toilet n ¨ TRANSFER=moving place to another. the person from one

Preventing work-related Injuries n OSHA recommendations ¨ Manual lifting be minimized in all cases ¨ Manual lifting be eliminated if possible ¨ Moving a person safely is determined by the health team Dependence level (box 16 -2) n Amount of assistance needed n Procedure to use n Equipment needed n

LIFTING AND MOVING PERSONS IN BED n Differing abilities of patients ¨ self ¨ two or three people ¨ mechanical lift Comfort and safety are a priority n Protect the skin during lifting and moving. n

LIFTING AND MOVING PERSONS IN BED n improperly moving causes ¨ Friction n rubbing of one surface against another ¨ Shearing n skin sticks to a surface and muscles slide

LIFTING AND MOVING PERSONS IN BED n 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 n Moving the person up in bed n ¨ 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 n Moving the person up in bed with a lift sheet ¨ easier with co-worker help ¨ Friction and shearing are reduced ¨ The procedure is used for: those who cannot move themselves n unconscious or paralyzed n spinal cord surgery or spinal cord injuries n Older persons n

APPLICATION #2 v. Raising the person’s head and shoulders. v. Moving the person up in bed with a lift sheet v. Moving the person to the side of the bed

TURNING PERSONS n Persons are turned toward or away from you. ¨ depends n Turning persons onto their sides ¨ prevent n on the person’s condition and the situation. complications from bed rest After turning ¨ position the person in good alignment. ¨ Use Pillows to support the person.

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

APPLICATION #3 v. TURNING TOWARD v. TURNING AWAY v. LOGROLLING

SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE BED (DANGLING) Purpose ¨ increase activity in stages. ¨ after surgery. n n n 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 n n n 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 n Rules ¨ Place buckle on the side or toward back. ¨ Ensure proper tightness ¨ Apply over clothing ¨ Remove when procedure is complete

Bed-to-chair or wheelchair transfers n The procedure depends on the person’s abilities ¨ Condition ¨ size. ¨ n n n 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. ¨ n Ask the nurse how to properly use and place the devices.

APPLICATION #4 v. APPLY A GAIT BELT v. TRANSFER FROM BED TO WHEELCHAIR

Reposition in a chair or Wheelchair n Considerations ¨ Alignment and safety ¨ Ability of the person ¨ Mechanical lift ¨ Reclining chair n See page 270

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