Chapter 4 Safety, transfer and positioning

FIRE PREVENTION w Fire prevention w electrical failure w Code for fire w Electrical shock

FALLS, COLLISION.SPILLS w MOBILE X-RAY UNITS w C-ARMS w OTHER EQUIPMENT w DARKROOM CHEMICALS

MRI SAFETY Pg. 773, Bontrager w Anything that is ferromagnetic can be a danger in the MRI room w pacemakers w ferromagnetic aneurysm clips w metallic fragment in eye w cochlear implants w makeup w oxygen tanks w credit cards w jewelry w

Head Injuries w Appropriate to have head elevated 30 degrees to facilitate drainage. w Do not reduce elevation without permission from appropriate health care team member

BODY MECHANICS

Minimizing injury w Radiographers lift, move and transfer patients daily w Proper body mechanics will prevent injury esp. to lower back

Ergonomics or biomechanics: branch of science which applies the laws of physics regarding the action of forces on our bodies.

BASE OF SUPPORT

CENTER OF GRAVITY

CENTER OF GRAVITY OVER BASE OF SUPPORT

MUSCLES w Mobility: in limbs long white tendons cross two or more joints (biceps) w Stability: in torso red muscle provide postural support (latissimus dorsi)

USE MOBILITY MUSCLES FOR LIFTING; STABILITY MUSCLES FOR SUPPORT.

More terms to learn w Recumbent w supine w prone w lateral recumbent (rt or lt) w Sims w Fowlers w Trendelenberg w Knee to chest w lithotomy w decubitus ulcer

ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION w Drop in BP when standing up w More prevalent in bedridden patients w Symptoms: dizziness fainting blurred vision slurred speech NEVER SEND A SYMPTOMATIC PATIENT ON THEIR WAY!!!!!

Hints for effective, safe transfer w Inquire w Check chart w “transferer” should establish good (wide) base of support w “Transferer’s” and patient’s center of gravity should be close together w Keep back stationary w Do all lifting with legs w Be close to area where patient is being placed w pivot w On stretcher..use sheet w See mummy technique,pg 121