Body Mechanics LEQ: How does using proper body mechanics prevent injury in the healthcare setting?

Body mechanics?  The way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts.

4 main reasons for using body mechanics:  1. Muscles work best when used correctly.  2. Correct use of muscles makes, lifting, pulling, and pushing easier.  3. Correct application of body mechanics prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain, and saves energy.  4. Correct application of body mechanics prevents injury to self and others.

8 basic rules of good body mechanics:  1. Maintain a broad base of support by keeping the feet 8 to 10 inches apart, placing one foot slightly forward, balancing weight on both feet, and pointing toes in the direction of movement.

8 basic rules of good body mechanics:  2. Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object, and keep your back straight. Do not bend at the waist.

8 basic rules of good body mechanics:  3. Use the strongest muscles to do the job. The larger and stronger muscles are located in the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. Back muscles are weak.  4. Use the weight of your body to help push or pull an object. Whenever possible, push, slide or pull rather than lift.

8 basic rules of good body mechanics  5. Carry heavy objects close to the body. Also, stand close to the object or person being moved.  6. Avoid twisting your body as you work. Turn with your feet and entire body when you change direction of movement.  7. Avoid bending for long periods of time.  8. If patient or object is too heavy for you to lift alone, always get help.

TECHNIQUES OF BODY MECHANICS Lifting:  Use the stronger leg muscles for lifting.  Bend at the knees and hips; keep your back straight.  Lift straight upward, in one smooth motion.

Reaching  Stand directly in front of and close to the object.  Avoid twisting or stretching.  Use a stool or ladder for high objects.  Maintain a good balance and a firm base of support.  Before moving the object, be sure that it is not too large or too heavy.

Pivoting  Place one foot slightly ahead of the other.  Turn both feet at the same time, pivoting on the heel of one foot and the toe of the other.  Maintain a good center of gravity while holding or carrying the object

REASONS FOR THE USE OF PROPER BODY MECHANICS Use proper body mechanics in order to avoid the following: Excessive fatigue. Muscle strains or tears. Skeletal injuries. Injury to the patient. Injury to assisting staff members

Positioning and Ambulating the Adult Patient  One of the basic procedures that nursing personnel perform most frequently is that of changing the patient's position.

 Any position, even the most comfortable one, will become unbearable after a period of time. Whereas the healthy person has the ability to move at will, the sick person's movements may be limited by disease, injury, or helplessness.

 It is often the responsibility of the medical assistant to position the patient and change his position frequently. Once the patient is able to ambulate, certain precautions must be taken to ensure the patient’s safety.

REASONS FOR CHANGING THE POSITION OF A PATIENT To promote comfort and relaxation. To restore body function. To prevent deformities. To relieve pressure and prevent strain. To stimulate circulation. To give treatments.

BASIC PRINCIPLES IN POSITIONING OF PATIENTS  1.Maintain good patient body alignment. Think of the patient in bed as though he were standing.  2.Maintain the patient's safety.  3.Reassure the patient to promote comfort and cooperation.

 Properly handle the patient's body to prevent pain or injury.  Keep in mind proper body mechanics for the practical nurse.  Obtain assistance, if needed, to move heavy or helpless patients.  Do not use special devices (that is., splints, traction) unless ordered. Ask if you do not know what is allowed.

LOGROLLING  Logrolling is a technique used to turn a patient whose body must at all times be kept in a straight alignment (like a log).  This technique is used for the patient who has a spinal injury.  Logrolling is used for the patient who must be turned in one movement, without twisting.  Logrolling requires two people, or if the patient is large, three people

Clinical lab  Practice time! Clinical lab sheets are at the front, get in groups of 5. Call me after getting 2 fellow classmates to check you off first, then I will check you off.

Activity  After you are done with the clinical get out a sheet of paper and draw for me each of the 8 rules of good body mechanics.