1. Nursing Assistant- Body Mechanics
Module 5

2. Purpose of body mechanics
To use the body in an efficient & safe way
Practice body mechanics at all times
EVERYONE should use – even residents & families
Protects employee & resident

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 resident

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

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

7. Safety measures for lifting & moving residents
Assess the task
Size up the load
Obtain help if needed
Reposition resident in bed with good body mechanics
Move resident up in bed
Use lift sheet if appropriate
Two people needed to move resident, 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

8. Safety measures for lifting & moving residents (cont)
Turn resident on side
Demo move toward NA
Demo move away from NA
Log roll – move as one position like a log, uses 2 CNAs
Reasons for repositioning
Comfort
Prevents skin breakdown
Stimulates body systems
Encourages resident to do ADLs

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

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

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

12. Transfers Bed to chair Chair to bed Bed to gurney
Place chair on strong side
Chair to bed
Bed to gurney

13. 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

14. 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 resident on the weaker side, grasping belt in midback

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