Body Mechanics

Purpose of body mechanics To use the body in an efficient & safe way Practice body mechanics at all times EVERYONE should use – even patients & families Protects everyone

Basic rules of body mechanics Assess the “job” to be done Use wide base of support – feet 12” apart or at shoulder width Use strong, large muscle groups, not back & arms Use correct posture & body alignment – back straight, knees bent Keep heavy objects close to the body

Rules (cont) Never twist, turn, or pivot feet – face work Push, slide, or pull heavy objects instead of lifting Avoid sudden jerky motions Use both hands when lifting Team work – one leader who directs the group Explain procedure to patient

Issues of concern Legal Total quality improvement Must protect/safeguard patient Skin abrasions mean citation from state Abrasion is REPORTABLE! Total quality improvement Back issues! Patient safety!

Comfort measures for lifting & moving patients Inform patient of what you are doing & why Provide privacy Raise bed to proper position Position patient in good body alignment Use pillows/foam pads to support & cushion patient & protect bony prominences Protect ALL tubing Do not slide or drag – friction, SKIN SHEARING, abrasions, tears

Safety measures for lifting & moving patients Assess the task Size up the load Obtain help if needed Reposition patient in bed with good body mechanics Move patient up in bed Use lift sheet if appropriate Two people needed to move patient, should stand at HOB Remove pillow, pad HOB with pillow Lock bed wheels & w/c wheels before moving Make sure res has non-skid footwear

Safety measures for lifting & moving patient (continued) Turn patient on side Log roll – move as one position like a log, uses 2 workers Reasons for repositioning Comfort Prevents skin breakdown Stimulates body systems Encourages patient to do ADLs

Positioning Technique Do every 2 hours Use lift-sheet to move patient to opposite side of the bed you wish to turn patient to (for side-lying) Turn & position

Basic positions Supine – back Prone – abdomen Lateral – side-lying Sim’s Fowler’s – HOB > 45 Semi-Fowler’s – HOB elevated to 45 Trendelenberg Lithotomy

Positions https://quizlet.com/5885334/positions-flash-cards/

Supportive Devices Provide comfort & support limbs Pillows Foam wedges Trochanter rolls

Transfers Bed to chair Chair to bed Bed to gurney (stretcher) Place chair on strong side Chair to bed Bed to gurney (stretcher)

Assistive Equipment used to transfer Mechanical (Hoyer) lift Trapeze – use arms Slide board – requires 2 workers to turn sheet to slide resident over Gait belt (transfer belt) Apply to waist, over clothing Check for belt tightness (2 fingers) Watch for proper placement

Lifts

Ambulation Procedure Dangle before ambulation Ambulate with assistive devices Walker – advance walker, move weak leg,then strong leg Cane – hold on strong side, move cane, then weak leg, then strong leg Gait belt – stand slightly behind patient on the weaker side, grasping belt in midback

Prevention of injury if falls occur Protect the patient Guide patient to the floor Protect patient’s head Keep firm grip on the gait belt Protection for self Keep back straight Slide patient to floor using upper leg for support