1. Body Mechanics

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. Positions

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

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

16. 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

17. Lifts

18. 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

21. 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