Body Mechanics in Nursing

Nursing responsibilities during patient care

1. BODY MECHANICS

2. Refers to the way we move during daily activities. Proper body mechanics can help you avoid injury and muscle fatigue.  

3. Importance of Body Mechanics 1.   To maintain proper body alignment. 2.   To maintain skin integrity. 3.   To prevent deformities of the musculoskeletal system. 4.   To prevent injury due to improper movement.  

4. Three guidelines for body mechanics 1.Bend at your hips & knees instead of your waist—This helps you maintain your balance by dividing your weight evenly between your upper and lower body. 2.Spread your feet apart to create a foundation of support—this helps you maintain your balance from side to side. 3. Keep your back, neck, pelvis and feet aligned when you turn or move.  

5. Assessment prior to Moving and Handling 1.   Patient’s body alignment. 2.   Tubing's, IV lines, incisions or equipment's that may alter the procedure. 3.   Patient’s LOC, and ability to understand & follow directions. 4.   Patient’s height, weight and ability to assist with moving. 5.   Specific Physician’s order or physical therapy (e.g. post– knee or hip replacement) 6.   The nurse must follow correct body mechanics while performing the procedure.

6. Nurses Role and Responsibilities to reduce the risk of injury 1.   Staff must follow appropriate systems of work and use the equipment provided. 2.   Cooperate with the nurse leaders/management and let them know of any problems 3.   Take reasonable care to ensure that their actions do no put themselves or others at risk.   Potential problems/unexpected outcomes for the healthcare workers while moving a patient. 1.   Back pain. 2.   Bone fractures and breakages 3.   Bruises and scrapes. 4.   Dislocation.  

7. Potential patient-related problems/unexpected outcomes while moving a patient. 1.   Fall injuries—musculoskeletal disorders 2.   Discomforts, such as pain. 3.   Increase existing breathing difficulties. 4.   Can damage patient’s fragile skin or cause bruising or cuts.  

8. Assistive Devices   1. Gait belt or transfer belt— Used to ensure a good grip on unstable patients. The device provides more stability when transferring patients.   2. Slider board or transfer board - A slider board is used to transfer immobile patients from one surface to another while the patient is lying supine.   3. Mechanical lift - A mechanical lift is a hydraulic lift, usually attached to a ceiling, used to move patients who cannot bear weight, who are unpredictable or unreliable, or who have a medical condition that does not allow them to stand or assist with moving.