Body Mechanics-converted.pdf notes for nursing students

notes

1. NURSING FOUNDATION
TOPIC : Body Mechanics

2. INTRODUCTION:
•Some of the most common injuries
sustained by members of the health care
team are severe musculoskeletal strains.
Many injuries can be avoided by the
conscious use of proper body mechanics
when performing physical work.

4. Define Body Mechanics:
•Body mechanicsis the safe use of thebodyusing the correct
posture, bodily alignment, balance and bodily movements to
safely bend, carry, lift and move objects and people.
•Body mechanicsinvolves the coordinated effort of muscles,
bones, and the nervous system to maintain balance, posture,
and alignment during moving, transferring, and positioning
patients.
•Proper body mechanics allows individuals to carry out
activities without excessive use of energy, and helps prevent
injuries for patients and health care providers.

5. PURPOSES OF BODY MECHANICS:
Toprovidemaximumcomfortandrelaxation
Toaidinnormalbodyfunctions
Topreventcontracturesandneuromusculardeformitiesandcomplications
Toconservemaximumpossibleenergybypreventingunnecessarystrain

6. •To maintain good balance.
•To reduce the energy required.
•To avoid excessive fatigue.
•To avoid muscle strains or tears.
•To avoid skeletal injuries.
•To avoid injury to the patient.
•To avoid injury to assisting staff members

7. PRINCIPLES:
•The wider the base of support, the greater the stability.
•The lower the centreof gravity, the greater the stability.
•The equilibrium of an object is maintained as long as the line of
gravity passes through its base of support.
•Facing the direction of movement prevents abnormal twisting
of the spine.
•Dividing balanced activity between arms and legs reduces the
risk of back injury.

11. •It is easier to pull, push, or roll an object than it is to lift it.
•Movements should be smooth and coordinated rather than jerky.
•When friction is reduced between the object to be moved and the surface on
which it is moved, less force is required to move it.
•Less energy or force is required to keep an object moving than it is to start and
stop it.
•Use the arm and leg muscles as much as possible, the back muscles as little as
possible.
•Keep the work as close as possible to your body. It puts less of a strain on your
back, legs, and arms.
•Keep the work at a comfortable height to avoid excessive bending at the waist.
•Keep your body in good physical condition to reduce the chance of injury.
•Rest between periods of work promotes work endurance