10.3.1: Maintaining Proper Body Mechanics

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Page ID: 67664

Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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When standing, keep your feet about hip width apart (about 12 inches). This provides a strong base of support and balance for you to work.
Always bend at your hips and knees when lifting or stooping, instead of bending at the waist and overextending your back.
Use the larger and stronger muscles of your thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper arms while bending or lifting objects. This protects your back and smaller muscles from injury.
Hold heavy objects close to your body when lifting or carrying them.
Turn your entire body, including your head and legs toward the task you are doing, rather than twisting.
Remember good posture. Keep your back and trunk straight and aligned with your hips and your head facing forward toward the direction you are working. This prevents twisting, which increases your risk of injury.
Always raise the bed to waist height when working with a patient who is in bed, or making a bed. This prevents unnecessary bending of your back.
When pushing, place one leg forward. When pulling, move one leg back. This provides you with a stronger and more stable base of support than if both legs were next to each other.
Whenever possible, have another person help you with lifting, rolling, or moving patients.
Have others help you with lifting or moving heavy objects.
Do not perform tasks that will be physically dangerous to you, or for which you may not physically be capable.
Keep in mind that when moving a patient, the path or direction in which you are moving must be clear of objects that could get in the way and cause potential injury.
Always lock the brakes on the bed and wheelchair before transferring a patient. This prevents the bed or wheelchair from moving and causing potential injury to you or the patient.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

1. When standing, you should have your feet about this many ____________ inches apart.

a). 10 inches

b). 20 inches

c). 12 inches

d). 5 inches

2. When bending to pick up something, you should bend at the waist. True or False? _______

3. Wheelchair and bed brakes should always be locked before transferring a patient. True or False? ______

Answer

1. C

2. False

3. True

FEEDBACK:

1. When standing, lifting, or pushing, feet should be hip width apart, which is approximately 12 inches.

2. Never bend at the waist when picking up something. Always bend at the knee and lower your body closer to where the object is. Hold heavy objects close to your body as this is your center of gravity and will help prevent injury.

3. Always lock wheelchair and bed brakes before turning, positioning, or transferring a patient. It will help prevent injury to the patient and you.