Chapter 16 Body Mechanics Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Body 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. ◦Your strongest and largest muscles are in your shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs- use these! Good body mechanics reduces the risk of injury and prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD’S) Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 2

Ergonomics (cont’d) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified MSD risk factors for the nursing team. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified MSD risk factors for the nursing team. ◦Force—the amount of physical effort needed to perform a task ◦Repeating action—doing the same motion or series of motions continually or frequently ◦Awkward postures—assuming positions that place stress on the body ◦Heavy lifting—manually lifting people who cannot move themselves Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 3

Examples of good positioning Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 4

Tips for safe transfers Always use a wide base of support Do not bend or twist at the waist Lift with your legs, NOT your back! Face the direction of your work Put the bed at a good working level Avoid sudden or jerky movements Report injuries ASAP! Schedule your harder work earlier in the day Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 5

Review Question What do you think is the most common injury in healthcare workers? How do you think you can prevent this? Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 6

Positioning the Patient The person must be properly positioned at all times. The person must be properly positioned at all times. Regular position changes and good alignment: Regular position changes and good alignment: ◦Promote comfort and well-being. ◦Promote breathing. ◦Promote circulation. ◦Help prevent pressure ulcers and contractures. Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 7

Positioning the Person (cont’d) Patients and residents may: ◦Need help to move and turn when in bed or a chair with assistance ◦Need reminding to adjust their positions ◦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. Slid e 8

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 knees may be slightly elevated. Supine position (dorsal recumbent position) is the back-lying position. Supine position (dorsal recumbent position) is the back-lying position. Prone position Prone position ◦The person lies on the abdomen with the head turned to one side. Lateral position (side-lying position) Lateral position (side-lying position) ◦The person lies on one side or the other. Sims’ position (semi-prone side position) is a left side-lying position. Sims’ position (semi-prone side position) is a left side-lying position. Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 9

Patient Positions Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 10

Positioning the Person (cont’d) Chair position Chair position ◦Persons who sit in chairs must hold their upper bodies and heads erect- consider a geri-chair if not able to ◦Feet are flat on the floor or wheelchair footplates. ◦Backs of the knees and calves are slightly away from the edge of the seat. ◦The nurse may have you put a small pillow between the person’s lower back and the chair.  A pillow is not used behind the back if restraints are used. Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 11

Chair Position Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Slid e 12