Body Mechanics and Safe Patient Handling Quiz

Importance of Body Mechanics and Safe Patient Handling

The three body systems contributing to the regulation of movements are the muscular system, skeletal system, and nervous system.
Coordinated efforts of body systems help maintain balance, posture, and body alignment to reduce the risk of injury during movement.
Terms to become familiar with include body mechanics, body alignment, body balance, gait, gravity, friction, shear, and ergonomics.
Proper use of body mechanics ensures safety for both the client and the nurse during tasks like lifting, bending, and moving.
Correct body alignment reduces strain on musculoskeletal structures.
Body balance is achieved when the center of gravity is balanced over a stable base of support and enhanced by proper posture.
Friction opposes movement and increases the risk of skin and tissue damage and potential pressure injuries.
Gravity exerts a downward force on the body, while shear is the force exerted parallel to the skin and results from both gravity and resistance.
Friction can be reduced by assessing the client's cognitive status, providing directions, collaborating during lifting, and using the client's strength.
Knowledge of safe working posture and implementation of body mechanics principles increase client and nurse safety and decrease work effort.
Principles of body mechanics include maintaining a wide base of support, facing the direction of movement, planning lifts, and using mechanical lifts when a client is unable to assist.
It is safe to manually lift a patient when the weight is under 35 lbs, the client can follow directions, and the lifting is smooth and slow. Mobility refers to the ability to move easily and independently, and illnesses, surgery, injuries, pain, and aging can impair mobility.