Transfer & immobilization techniques By Dr. Mohsen Dashti Patient care & management 202 April-16-10

Discussion issues Body mechanics. Moving patients. Immobilization techniques.

Body mechanics The point at which the mass of any body is centered known as ……..

Body mechanics White Vs. Red muscles: White muscles: Muscles that have long white tendons and cross two or more joints commonly known as mobility muscles. Examples: the biceps muscle (flex the elbow), the hamstring muscle (flex the knee). Red muscles: Muscles that are large expanses of red muscle, which provide postural support commonly known as stability muscles. Examples: latissimus dorsi of the back and rectus abdominis of the anterior abdomen.

Body mechanics Which muscles should be used? Technologists should use white mobility muscles for lifting and red postural muscles for support.

Body mechanics Correct body posture when picking up an object: Bend knees and lower your body. NO waist bending. Pull rather than push when applicable. Balance your weight and stand close to the patient when trying to move him/her. Move your body and never twist it when trying to turn from one direction to another. Floor must be clear of any object and NOT slippery.

Body mechanics Pick and Support Place and Relax Bend Knees

Moving patients Assess the situation and think. What do we need to do prior to even come close to the patient??? Assess the situation and think. Things to look for: Deviations from correct body alignment. Limitations and immobility especially with older patients. i.e. patients with arthritis or bone stiffness. The ability to walk. Respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal problems. Patients strength and overall well-being.

Moving patients When moving the patient: Only assist and never force the patient to move. Transfer to the shortest distance possible. Lock wheelchairs and/or wheels on beds prior to the move. Move patient toward his/her strongest side. Avoid slippery floors. Always COMMUNICATE with the patient while moving him/her. Ask to the patient to help you by giving simple and understandable commands.

Methods of moving patients By Gurney: Lock gurney. Support head, spine and extremities. Seek the help of more than one for transportation. Use sheet to transfer to examination table. Use slide board if it’s available.

Methods of moving patients By Gurney:

Methods of moving patients By Wheelchair: Instruct patient if movement is possible to use upper arm and push to move. If not, stand in front of patient with his arms wrapped across your shoulders, Help the patient to stand and pivot toward his/her strong side. Bring the wheelchair close to the examination table prior to movement. Use the stool to assist the patient in moving from the wheelchair to the examination table.

Methods of moving patients By Wheelchair:

Immobilization techniques What is immobilizer? - In some cases, the patient has to be immobilized in order to acquire the images. -- Patients with involuntary movements. -- Uncooperative patients. -- Some pediatric patients. -- Some geriatric patients. -- Some operating theater cases. All usage of immobilizers must be approved by the chief radiographer or the radiologist prior to proceeding.

Immobilization techniques Rules for application of immobilizers: Patient must be allowed as much mobility as possible. Regions of immobilization must be padded to avoid and prevent injury. Normal anatomic position must be maintained. Simple immobilization technique must be considered first. Immobilizer must be easy to remove. Blood circulation and respiration must NOT be blocked. Careful planning must be thought.

Immobilization techniques Types of Immobilizers:

Immobilization techniques Special care: (Infants) Additional safety measures required. Ascertain the identity (check identity band). Carry normal and small infants with EXTRA attention. Crib and gurney wheels must be locked. Support head, neck and back. Hold in horizontal position.

Immobilization techniques Immobilizing: Should only be considered for anxious or frightened children and where safety is not guaranteed otherwise. Methods: Sheet Immobilizers: Effective and easy to fit any child. Keeps the two arms safely and completely restrained. Allows abdomen to remain exposed.

Immobilization techniques Immobilizing: Mummy-Style Sheet Immobilizers: Used very often with new born babies in Kuwait. Can be used to restrain one or more extremities. Commercial Immobilizers: The Pigg-o-stat used mainly for chest x-rays. The Plastic mold with straps to hold the extremities.

Immobilization techniques

Sunday’s gift Define the following: Biomechanics… Orthostatic hypotension… Flexion… Artifact…