Fundamental to good patient handling techniques are the concepts of the base of support, center of gravity, and mobility and stability muscles. The base of support is the foundation on which a body rests.
Base of Support
A hypothetical area of the body where the mass of the body is concentrated; gravity works from this area.
Center of gravity
Where is your center of gravity?
Second sacral segment
Commonly attached medical equipment which should be checked before moving or positioning a patient.
Oxygen tubing Intravenous lines Central lines Postsurgical drains Urine bags
Good Body Mechanics
- Use good posture. - Always keep your body's line of balance close to your center of gravity (below waistline). - Hold object close to body. - Bend your knees. - Don't twist your trunk. - Push rather than pull.
When lifting, the back should be kept straight or in a position of slightly increased __________.
Lumbar lordosis
Using a __________ is a good practice when planning to perform transfers.
Transfer belt
What type of muscles are extremity muscles classified as? Should be used for lifting?
Mobility
What type of muscles are the muscles of the torso classified as? Should be used for support
Stability
When transferring a patient, what is one thing that must be checked before executing the transfer?
Check the patient's chart to see if they have a restricted weight-bearing status
May overestimate their transfer abilities and require assistance.
Patients with cognitive impairments
Sudden drop in blood pressure in the brain when a person stands up quickly from a sitting or supine position; when the oxygen in the brain drops and the person becomes dizzy and prone to fall.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, slurred speech
Ways to minimize the severity of orthostatic hypotension.
Have patient stand slowly Encourage patient to talk during the transfer by asking simple questions
May occur going from one surface type to a different surface type during transfer. Can be caused by several mechanical factors.
Skin damage
Four types of wheelchair transfers.
1. Standby assist 2. Assisted standing pivot 3. Two-person lift 4. Hydraulic lift
Used for patients who have the ability to transfer from a wheelchair to a table on their own.
Standby assist
The type transfer used when patients cannot transfer independently but can bear weight on their legs
Assisted standing pivot
Transfer used when a patient cannot bear weight on their legs in order to move from the wheelchair to the table.
Two-person lift
Used for transferring heavy patients.
Hydraulic lift techniques
What should a patient be seated on before using a hydraulic lift?
Lift sling
Is critical to lift success.
Communication
Type transfer that usually requires 3 people.
Cart transfer
Immobilization devices is used for a lateral chest film on a nonambulatory patient? Can also be used for compression.
Velcro straps
Common recumbent patient positions.
Supine Prone Lateral Sims Fowler