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Chapter 13 Safe Patient Movement and Handling

Terms in this set (30)

Base of Support
Foundation on which body rests or stands; when a person is standing, the feet and the space between them define the base of support.
Biomechanics
Study of the laws of physics, specifically the laws of mechanics, as they apply to living bodies at rest and in motion.
Center of Gravity
Hypothetical point around which all mass appears to be concentrated.
Mobility Muscles
Muscles that are found in the four extremities and that are designed for movement; examples include biceps femoris, biceps brachii, and gastrocnemius. Typically these muscles have long white tendons and cross two or more joints.
Orthostatic Hypotension
A drop in blood pressure when a person stands up quickly from a sitting or supine position.
Stability Muscles
Muscles that support the torso and are designed to provide postural stability; examples include the latissimus dorsi, abdominal group, and erector spinae. Typically these muscles are large expanses of red muscle.
What study yields insight into the mechanisms of injury and helps researchers?
Biomechanics
What characterizes unstable and mobile systems?
Narrow base of support-standing on one foot or tiptoe provides the person with a small base of support.
When transferring a patient what should the radiograher do?
Establish as stable a base of support as possible.
Mobility muscles are found where?
In the limbs or extremities.
For effective patient transfers and handling, technologists should use what muscles?
White mobility muscles for lifting and red postural (stability) muscles for support.
Before attempting a transfer what should you ask the patient?
Whether they can do the transfer independently. This approach minimizes the trauma to the patient and avoids stress on the technologist.
What are the principles for safe transfers?
-Let the patient do as much of the transfer as possible
-Check chart for any precautions, such as non-weight bearing status and joint disease
-Establish a wide base of support for your stability
-Hold the patient's center of gravity close to your own center of gravity for a better mechanical advantage
-Hold the patient with a transfer belt around the patient's waist to minimize stress on the patient's should girdle
-Lift the patient with you legs. Avoid back bending
-Avoid trunk twisting during transfer
-Never lift more than you can. Ask for assistance when needed
-Watch the patient for signs of orthostatic hypotension, and take precautions to minimize its effects.
What are the four types of wheelchair transfers?
-Standby assist
-Assisted standing pivot
-Two-person lift
-Hydraulic lift
If a patient has a strong and weak side how should you position for transfer?
Always position the patient so that he or she transfers toward the strong side.
In all wheelchair/cart transfers what are the first things you should do?
LOCK THE WHEELS and remove or fold away the footrests so they do not obstruct patient movement.
What is a standby assist transfer?
When the patient has the ability to transfer from a wheelchair/cart to a table on their own. Divide the transfer into single-step components, and talk the patient through each step.
What is an assisted standing pivot transfer?
When a patient cannot transfer independently but can bear weight on their legs. A transfer belt may be used to enabled a secure grip on the patient without traumatizing any of the patient's joints.
What is a two-person lift?
When a patient cannot bear weight on their lower extremities and must be lifted onto the table. The stronger person should lift the patient's torso while the other person lifts the patient's feet.
What is a Hydraulic lift?
When patient's are too heavy to life manually and require a hydraulic lift.
What item is used to transfer a patient from a cart to a table?
A draw sheet.
Body Mechanics
The application of proper lifting and transfer techniques.
In humans aligned in the anatomic position, the center of gravity it at approximately what level?
Sacral level two (S-2) with slight variations between men and women.
Instability results when?
The center of gravity moves beyond the boundaries of the base.
Lateral Position
Position named by the side of the patient that is placed closest to the image receptor.
Fowler's Position
A semi-sitting positon.
Prone Position
Lying face down.
Sims' Position
A semiprone position with patient on left side, knees flexed with right knee and thigh drawn well up in front of the left, left arm along patient's back, and chest inclined forward so patient rests upon it.
Supine Position
Lying on back, face up.
Trendelenburg Position
Position in which the patient's head is low and the body and legs are on an elevated and inclined plane.
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