Chapter 17 Safely Moving Transferring the Person Safely

Chapter 17: Safely Moving & Transferring the Person

Safely Moving and Transferring Persons • During these and other tasks, you must use your body correctly. • • • Turning and repositioning persons Moving persons in bed Transferring persons to and from beds, chairs, wheelchairs, stretchers, and toilets

Preventing Work. Related Injuries • • You must prevent workrelated injuries when moving and transferring patients and residents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends: • • Minimizing manual lifting in all cases Eliminating manual lifting when possible

Preventing Work. Related Injuries (cont’d) • To safely move and transfer the person, the nurse and health team determine: • • The person’s dependence level The amount of assistance needed What procedure to use The equipment needed

Moving Persons in Bed • Those who are weak, unconscious, paralyzed, or in casts need help moving in bed. • • Total Dependence—mechanical lift or friction-reducing device and at least 2 staff members Extensive Assistance— mechanical lift or frictionreducing device and at least 2 staff members • • The person weighs less than 200 pounds— 2 to 3 staff members and a frictionreducing device The person weighs more than 200 pounds—at least 3 staff members and a frictionreducing device

Moving Persons in Bed (cont’d) • Protecting the skin • Protect the person’s skin during moving and transfer procedures. • • • Friction is the rubbing of one surface against another. Shearing is when the skin sticks to a surface while muscles slide in the direction the body is moving. Reduce friction and shearing when moving the person in bed by: • • Rolling the person Using friction-reducing devices

Moving Persons in Bed (cont’d) • Raising the person’s head and shoulders • You can raise the person’s head and shoulders easily and safely by locking arms with the person. • • Do not pull on the person’s arm or shoulder. It is best to have help with older persons and with those who are heavy or hard to move.

Moving Persons in Bed (cont’d) • Moving the person up in bed • • The person is moved up in bed for good alignment and comfort. You can sometimes move lightweight adults up in bed alone if they can assist using a trapeze. • • • It is best to have help and to use an assist device. Two or more staff members are needed to move heavy, weak, and very old persons up in bed. Always protect the person and yourself from injury.

Moving Persons in Bed (cont’d) • Moving the person up in bed with an assist device • • The person is moved more evenly. Shearing and friction are reduced. At least two staff members are needed. This procedure is used for: • • • Most patients and residents Persons recovering from spinal cord surgery or spinal cord injuries Older persons

Moving Persons in Bed (cont’d) • Moving the person to the side of the bed • The person is moved to the side of the bed: • • • For repositioning and care procedures Before turning To limit the need to reach over the person One method involves moving the person in segments. With at least co-worker, use a mechanical lift or an assist device: • • Following guidelines For older persons For persons with arthritis For persons recovering from spinal cord injuries or spinal cord surgery

Turning Persons • Persons are turned onto their sides: • • • The person is turned toward you or away from you. • • To help prevent complications from bed rest For certain procedures and care measures The direction depends on the person’s condition and the situation. After turning the person, position him or her in good alignment. • Use pillows to support the person in the side-lying position.

Turning Persons (cont’d) • Logrolling is turning the person as a unit, in alignment, with one motion. • • The spine is kept straight. The procedure is used to turn: • • Older persons with arthritic spines or knees Persons recovering from hip fractures Persons with spinal cord injuries Persons recovering from spinal surgery

Sitting on the Side of the Bed (Dangling) • • Patients and residents sit on the side of the bed (dangle) for many reasons. While dangling the legs, the person: • • • Coughs and deep breathes Moves the legs back and forth in circles Two staff members may be needed. • • Persons with balance and coordination problems need support. If dizziness or fainting occurs, lay the person down.

Transferring Persons • • The amount of help needed and the method used vary with the person’s dependency level. For a safe transfer, the: • • • Room must be arranged so there is enough space. Chair, wheelchair, or other device must be placed correctly. Transfer belts/gait belts are used to: • • Support patients and residents during transfers. Reposition persons in chairs and wheelchairs.

Transferring Persons (cont’d) • Bed to chair or wheelchair transfers • Help the person out of bed on his or her strong side. • • Stand pivot transfers are used if the: • • In transferring, the strong side moves first. Person’s legs are strong enough to bear some or all of his or her weight Person is cooperative and can follow directions Person can assist with the transfer Chair or wheelchair to bed transfers have the same rules as bed to chair transfers.

D&S Skill: Pivot Transfer a Weight Bearing, Non. Ambulatory Resident from Bed to W/C using a Gait Belt

D&S Skill: Pivot Transfer a Weight Bearing, Non. Ambulatory Resident from W/C to Bed using a Gait Belt

Transferring Persons (cont’d) • Mechanical lifts are used to transfer persons who: • • • Cannot help themselves Are too heavy for the staff to transfer Slings • • • The type of sling used depends on the person’s size, condition, and other needs. Follow agency policy and the manufacturer’s instructions for washing slings. Follow agency policy for handling and washing contaminated slings.

Transferring Persons (cont’d) • Before using a mechanical lift: • • • You must be trained in its use. It must work. The sling, straps, hooks, and chains must be in good repair. The person’s weight must not exceed the lift’s capacity. At least two staff members are needed. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Transferring Persons (cont’d) • Transferring the person to and from the toilet • Transfers involving wheelchairs and toilets are often hard. • • • Falls and work-related injuries are risks. Sometimes mechanical lifts are used. A sliding board may be used if: • • The wheelchair armrests can be removed. The person has upper body strength. The person has good sitting balance. There is enough room to position the wheelchair next to the toilet.

Transferring Persons (cont’d) • Moving the person to a stretcher • Stretchers (gurneys) are used to transport persons to other areas who: • • • Cannot sit up Must stay in a lying position Are seriously ill The stretcher is covered with a folded flat sheet or bath blanket. A drawsheet, turning pad, large incontinence underpad, slide sheet, or lateral transfer device with slide board is used. At least 2 or 3 staff members are needed for a safe transfer.

Transferring Persons (cont’d) • OSHA recommends the following: • • • If the person weighs less than 100 pounds, use a lateral sliding aid and 2 staff members. If the person weighs 100 to 200 pounds, use a lateral sliding aid or a frictionreducing device and 2 staff members. If the person weighs more than 200 pounds, use one of the following: • • • A lateral sliding aid and 3 staff members A friction-reducing device or lateral transfer device and 2 staff members A mechanical lateral transfer device with a built-in slide board

Transferring Persons (cont’d) • When the person is on the stretcher: • • Safety straps are used. The stretcher side rails are kept up during the transport. The stretcher is moved feet first. The staff member at the head of the stretcher can watch the person’s breathing and color during the transport. Never leave the person alone.

Re-Positioning in a Chair or Wheelchair • • For good alignment and safety, the person’s back and buttocks must be against the back of the chair. Follow the nurse’s directions and the care plan for the best way to re-position a person in a chair or wheelchair. • Do not pull the person from behind the chair or wheelchair.