Chapter 3: Safer Patient Handling, Positioning, Transfers and Ambulation
3.2 Body Mechanics
Critical Thinking Exercises: Questions, Answers, and Sources / References
Critical thinking questions are in bold type, and the answers are italicized. Additional resources or references are provided below.
- How do body alignment and body balance contribute to proper body mechanics?
Body mechanics is the coordinated effort of muscles, bones, joints, and the nervous system. When body mechanics are done correctly, body alignment and balance allow us to carry-out movements, without excessive energy output, and it helps to reduce injuries to ourselves and our patients.
Source:
Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2017). Clinical nursing skills and techniques (9th ed.). Elsevier; Mosby.
2. John is asked to transfer a client from the bed to a stretcher. Name five principles of body mechanics John can implement to prevent an MSI.
| Assess the environment. | Assess the weight of the load before lifting, and determine if assistance is required. |
| Plan the move. | Plan the move, gather all supplies, and clear the area of obstacles. |
| Avoid stretching and twisting. | Avoid stretching, reaching, and twisting, which may place the line of gravity outside the base of support. |
| Ensure proper body stance. |
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| Stand close to the object being moved. |
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| Face direction of the movement. | Facing the direction prevents abnormal twisting of the spine. |
| Avoid lifting. |
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| Work at waist level. |
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| Reduce friction between surfaces. |
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| Bend the knees. | Bending the knees maintains your centre of gravity and lets the strong muscles of your legs do the lifting. |
| Push the object rather than pull it, and maintain continuous movement. |
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| Use assistive devices. | Use assistive devices (gait belt, slider boards, mechanical lifts) as required to position patients and transfer them from one surface to another. |
| Work with others. | The person with the heaviest load should coordinate all the effort of the others involved in the handling technique. |
Sources:
Berman, A., & Snyder, S. J. (2016). Skills in clinical nursing (8th ed.). Pearson.
Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2017). Clinical nursing skills and techniques (9th ed.). Elsevier; Mosby.
Registered Nursing. (n.d.). Ergonomic principles: NCLEX-RN. https://www.registerednursing.org/nclex/ergonomic-principles/
WorkSafeBC. (2013). Preventing musculoskeletal injury (MSI). http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/msi_employers.pdf
Sample Quiz Questions
- Describe musculoskeletal injury.
An injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints or nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissue, including sprains, strains, or inflammation related to a work injury. MSIs are the most common health hazard for healthcare providers.
Source:
WorkSafeBC. (2013). Preventing musculoskeletal injury (MSI). http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/msi_employers.pdf