Patient Transfer and Lifting Principles Quiz

Patient Transfer Preparation

• Before executing a patient transfer, ensure proper planning and preparation to minimize risks and discomfort.
• Inform the patient of what you are going to do before proceeding to make them feel secure and informed.

Patient Safety and Comfort

• Help patients feel secure during transfers by providing clear instructions and maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Allow patients to perform as much of the transfer as they can to maintain their independence and dignity.

Proper Body Mechanics

• Avoid twisting when lifting patients to prevent excessive strain on the back and muscles.
• Maintain a wide base of support during patient handling to ensure stability and balance.
• Keep the body's line of balance over the feet to prevent falls and injuries.

Patient Positioning

• For proper patient positioning, use an arm abduction angle of 70-80 degrees and an elbow flexion angle of 90-100 degrees.
• The patient's head should be facing forward, and their hips and knees should be at a 90-degree angle when sitting.

Posture and Weight Distribution

• Avoid slouching or bending during the procedure to prevent excessive strain on the back and muscles.
• Keep the weight evenly distributed when standing, with feet shoulder-width apart and arms close to the body.
• Hold the patient's hands and arms close to the body, parallel to the floor, and well supported.

Transfer Techniques

• The purpose of an assisted standing pivot transfer is to transfer patients from one surface to another while maintaining their stability and safety.
• In an assisted standing pivot transfer, the patient should pivot on their stronger leg, while the assistant provides support and guidance.
• The assistant should stand on the patient's stronger side and provide support under the patient's arm.

Two-Person Lift

• The purpose of a two-person lift is to transfer patients who require more support and assistance.
• The person making the transfer should stand on the patient's stronger side, with the assistant standing on the opposite side.

Key Steps and Importance

• A key step for initiating an assisted standing pivot transfer is to ensure the patient is standing with their feet shoulder-width apart.
• The primary purpose of good body mechanics in patient transfer is to prevent injuries and strains to both the patient and the healthcare provider.
• Maintaining proper transfer techniques is crucial for radiologic and medical imaging sciences professionals to ensure safe and efficient patient handling.
• Using proper transfer techniques can reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) for medical sonographers.

Muscle Involvement

• The primary types of muscles involved in patient handling are the back, leg, and arm muscles.

Significance and Prevention

• Proper transfer techniques play a crucial role in maintaining stability during patient handling.
• Avoiding twisting, bending, and lifting incorrectly can prevent excessive strain and injuries during patient handling.
• Good body mechanics and proper transfer techniques can reduce the risk of WRMSDs and ensure safe patient handling.