chapter 16

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of maintaining good body mechanics when positioning patients?

To elevate the bed to a comfortable working height

To support limbs and areas of the body not in contact with the bed

To ensure position changes at least every 2 hours

To prevent injury to the patient and staff (correct)

What is essential for safe patient handling when positioning patients?

Changing the patient's position every 2 hours

Elevating the bed to a comfortable working height

Using pillows and other positioning devices

Locking the wheels of the equipment (correct)

How often do patients who need assistance with positioning typically require position changes?

Every 6 hours

Every hour

Every 4 hours

Every 2 hours (correct)

What is the purpose of using pillows and other positioning devices when positioning patients?

To support limbs and areas of the body not in contact with the bed Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to support limbs and areas of the body not in contact with the bed when positioning patients?

To prevent injury to the patient and staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of not maintaining proper flexion of the ankle in an immobile patient?

Permanent plantar flexion of the foot Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of contractures in an immobile patient?

Disuse of the muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of immobility related to the circulatory system?

Venous thromboembolism Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the condition that results from loss of bone minerals, leading to an increased risk of skeletal fractures?

Osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a complication that can occur if the toes are allowed to fall toward the foot of the bed?

Footdrop Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain proper positioning of the patient in bed?

To prevent footdrop and promote proper ankle flexion Signup and view all the answers

What is a common musculoskeletal complication of immobility?

Contracture Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of venous thromboembolism that develops in the deep veins of the legs?

Deep vein thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of immobility that increases the risk of skeletal fractures?

Osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of prolonged bed rest?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for safe logrolling of a patient?

Turning the patient in unison with other staff members Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the nurse at the head of the bed during logrolling?

Providing directions for the logrolling procedure Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to ensure all staff members turn the patient simultaneously during logrolling?

To prevent damage to the patient's spine, which could result in paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What is critical during the logrolling procedure?

Maintaining body alignment during the procedure Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nurse at the head of the bed during logrolling?

Providing directions for the logrolling procedure Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of proper body mechanics when transferring patients?

Using a wide base of support and standing close to the object Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assist a patient to dangle prior to transfer or ambulation?

To reduce the risk of injury to the healthcare provider Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of safe patient transfer?

Keeping the back straight and using leg muscles to lift Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using proper body mechanics during patient transfer?

Reducing the risk of injury to the healthcare provider Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when positioning patients?

Using a wide base of support to prevent falls Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Positioning and Body Mechanics

Proper body mechanics are essential in patient positioning to prevent injuries to both patients and caregivers.
Always lock the wheels of any equipment before positioning patients to ensure safety.
Elevate the bed to a comfortable working height to maintain effective body mechanics during patient care.
Patients on bedrest require position changes approximately every 2 hours to avoid complications.
Support limbs and body areas not in contact with the bed using pillows and positioning devices.

Effects of Immobility

Footdrop can occur if toes fall toward the foot of the bed, resulting in loss of proper ankle flexion.
Contractures due to disuse lead to muscle shortening and tightening.
Osteoporosis, characterized by loss of bone minerals, increases the risk of skeletal fractures.
Immobile patients are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), specifically deep vein thrombosis, which involves blood clots in deep veins of the legs.

Safety Protocols in Patient Transfers

Avoid twisting the torso when moving patients and maintain a wide base of support.
Stand close to the object being moved and keep the back straight during transfers for optimal body mechanics.
Nurses must work cohesively, especially during logrolling procedures, to prevent spinal damage, which can lead to paralysis.

Importance of Patient Dangle

Assisting a patient to dangle their legs over the side of the bed before transferring helps assess their stability and readiness for ambulation.

Logrolling: A technique used for moving patients while maintaining spinal alignment to prevent injury.
Footdrop: A condition resulting from improper positioning, leading to permanent plantar flexion of the foot.
Contractures: Shortening of muscles due to prolonged disuse or immobility, affecting mobility and comfort.

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Test your understanding of safe and efficient patient transfer techniques, including proper body mechanics and reducing risk potential. Analyze correct and incorrect methods of transferring patients.