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Rad 102 Module 1
Patient Transfer Techniques
Body Mechanics | Applying the laws of physics to the human body |
How many employees are injured each year | 600,000 |
What is the leading cause of disability for health care workers | Sprains, strains, and musculoskeletal problems |
Injuries are decreasing due to: | Proper training, equipment improvements, post-injury investigation, & "culture of safety" |
Types of transfers: | stretcher, wheelchair, walker to table, standing, or chair |
Biomechanics | A branch of physics that applies newtonian mechanics to living bodies at rest and in motion. |
Base of Support (BOS) | The foundation on which a body rests. When standing it is the space between your feet. |
Wide BOS | More stable/ less mobile |
Narrow BOS | Less stable/more mobile |
Center of Gravity (COG) | A hypothetical point at which all mass appears to be concentrated. |
What is our COG? | Sacral level 2 |
When is the body more stable? | When the COG is over the BOS |
When is the body more unstable? | When the COG is beyond the BOS |
Where should you hold heavy objects when moving them? | Close to the mover's COG |
What are Mobility muscles? | Muscles found in the extremities that are designed for movement. They have long white tendons and are also called "white muscles". Ex: Biceps, calves, hamstrings |
What are Stability muscles? | Muscles that support the torso and provide postural stability. They have thick red muscle bellies and are also called "red muscles". Ex: abdominals, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae |
What muscles should be used for lifting? | White muscles |
What muscles should be used for support? | Red postural muscles |
What is the proper way to lift something? | Bending and straightening the knees, keep your back straight or in slight lumbar lordosis. DO NOT TWIST |
Process of lifting someone (steps 1-3) | 1. Tell the patient who you are and what you will be doing 2. Tell the patient what is expected of them for this exam (ex. laying on the table) 3. Ask the patient if they can move themselves |
Process of lifting someone (steps 4-6) | 4. Check the patients chart to verify any weight bearing restrictions 5. Offer whatever level of assistance is required 6. Give the patient plenty of time to move or position themselves |
How should you hold a patient? | Gently but firmly and give specific instructions |
How should you feet be when you lift someone? | Further apart to increase the BOS |
Where should the patients COG be when you lift/transfer them? | Close to your COG |
What should you use to help transfer patients with lose clothing or gowns on? | Transfer/gait belts |
What is orthostatic hypotension? | A sudden drop in blood pressure in the brain when a person stands or moves quickly. |
What are symptoms of orthostatic hypotension? | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and slurred speech |
How can you prevent orthostatic hypotension? | Have the patient sit on the side of the bed and wait a few seconds to let them reorient. Ask them questions & "get the room ready" while they wait & check for symptoms. Do this after the exam too. Before you move them ask them how they feel. |
What do you do if the patient has symptoms of orthostatic hypotension | Slow down the transfer and take the patient to take a few deep breaths. If the patient complains of feeling faint or dizzy, stop until they feel better. |
How do you call for a patient? | Only by their last name then tell them who you are and where you are from. |
When do you verify the patients first name and DOB? | In a private area |
Types of transfers: | 1. Standby Assist Transfer 2. Assisted Standing Pivot Transfer 3. Two Person Lift 4. Hydraulic Lift 5. Stretcher transfer |
What is a Standby Assist Transfer used for? | When a patient feels they can transfer by themselves, you are there on standby incase they need help |
What is an Assisted Standing Pivot Transfer used for? | For patients who cant transfer alone but CAN bear weight on their legs |
Where are 2 person lifts used? | Nursing homes or PT clinics |
When is a hydraulic lift used? | When the patient is too heavy to be lifted manually |
Most common transfer in hospitals? | Stretcher transfers |
Should the x-ray table be higher, lower, or the same height as the stretcher when transferring onto the table? | The same height or lower |
How many people should there be to perform a stretcher transfer? | At least 3 |
How should you roll the patient when doing a stretcher transfer? | On their side away from the direction of the transfer. |
Should you kneel or stand on the table when transferring patients? | Never |
How should you always roll the patient? | Towards you |
Supine position | Face up |
Lateral position | on the side |
Prone position | on their belly face down |
fowlers position | propped up with a pillow under knees |
sims positon | on stomach with one knee and arm bent. |
What are commonly attached medical equipment? | 1. Oxygen tubing 2. Intravenous lines 3. Central lines 4. Chest tubes 5. Urine bags 6. Nasogastric tubes 7. EKG leads 8. Pulse Oximeter |
What should you check before your transfer? | Check for attached medical equipment- it should not hinder the transfer. |
Should medical equipment ever be stopped, disconnected, or drained? | NO it should not be damaged or disturbed during the transfer or the exam. |
What attached medical equipment should be placed below the body at all times? | 1. Chest Tubes 2. Urine bags |