chapter 16 body mechanics copyright © 2012 by mosby, an imprint of elsevier inc. all rights...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 16Chapter 16Body Mechanics
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Body MechanicsBody Mechanics
Body mechanics means using the body in an efficient and careful way.◦ It involves good posture, balance, and using
your strongest and largest muscles for work. Good body mechanics reduces the risk of
injury.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Ergonomics (cont’d)Ergonomics (cont’d)
The Occupational Safety and Health The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified Administration (OSHA) has identified MSD risk factors for the nursing team.MSD risk factors for the nursing team.◦ ForceForce—the amount of physical effort needed —the amount of physical effort needed
to perform a taskto perform a task◦ Repeating actionRepeating action—doing the same motion —doing the same motion
or series of motions continually or frequentlyor series of motions continually or frequently◦ Awkward posturesAwkward postures—assuming positions —assuming positions
that place stress on the bodythat place stress on the body◦ Heavy liftingHeavy lifting—manually lifting people who —manually lifting people who
cannot move themselvescannot move themselves
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Examples of good positioningExamples of good positioningCopyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Positioning the PatientPositioning the Patient
The person must be properly positioned The person must be properly positioned at all times.at all times.
Regular position changes and good Regular position changes and good alignment:alignment:◦ Promote comfort and well-being.Promote comfort and well-being.◦ Promote breathing.Promote breathing.◦ Promote circulation.Promote circulation.◦ Help prevent pressure ulcers and Help prevent pressure ulcers and
contractures.contractures.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Positioning the Person (cont’d)Positioning the Person (cont’d)
Patients and residents may:◦ Move and turn when in bed or a chair without
assistance◦ Need reminding to adjust their positions◦ Need help with position changes◦ Depend entirely on the nursing team for
position changes Whether in bed or a chair, the person is
repositioned at least every 2 hours.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Positioning the Person (cont’d)Positioning the Person (cont’d)
Fowler’s position is a semi-sitting position.Fowler’s position is a semi-sitting position.◦ The head of the bed is raised 45 to 60 degrees.The head of the bed is raised 45 to 60 degrees.◦ The knees may be slightly elevated.The knees may be slightly elevated.
Supine position (dorsal recumbent Supine position (dorsal recumbent position) is the back-lying position.position) is the back-lying position.
Prone positionProne position◦ The person lies on the abdomen with the head The person lies on the abdomen with the head
turned to one side.turned to one side. Lateral position (side-lying position)Lateral position (side-lying position)
◦ The person lies on one side or the other.The person lies on one side or the other. Sims’ position (semi-prone side position) Sims’ position (semi-prone side position)
is a left side-lying position.is a left side-lying position.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Patient PositionsPatient PositionsCopyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Positioning the Person (cont’d)Positioning the Person (cont’d)
Chair positionChair position◦ Persons who sit in chairs must hold their upper Persons who sit in chairs must hold their upper
bodies and heads erect.bodies and heads erect.◦ Feet are flat on the floor Feet are flat on the floor or wheelchair or wheelchair
footplates.footplates.◦ Backs of the knees and calves are slightly away Backs of the knees and calves are slightly away
from the edge of the seat.from the edge of the seat.◦ The nurse may have you put a small pillow The nurse may have you put a small pillow
between the person’s lower back and the chair.between the person’s lower back and the chair. A pillow is not used behind the back if restraints A pillow is not used behind the back if restraints
are used.are used.◦ Some people require postural supports if they Some people require postural supports if they
cannot keep their upper bodies erect.cannot keep their upper bodies erect.
Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Slide 9