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Body Mechanics
Body Mechanics
Some of the most common injuries sustained by members of the health care team are severe musculoskeletal strains.
Many injuries can be avoided by the conscious use of proper body mechanics when performing physical work.
BODY MECHANICS is the term used to describe the efficient, coordinated, and safe use of the body to move objects and
carry
activities of daily living.
Purposes
1. To maintain good posture
2. To promote good physiological functions of the body
3. To use the body correctly and to maintain its effectiveness
4. To prevent injury or limitation of movement of the musculoskeletal system
Procedures
A. STANDING
1. Stand erect with head upright, face forward, shoulders squared, back straight, abdominal
muscles tucked in straight at sides with palms forward.
2. Keep feet 3-4 inches apart for wide base support. Place equal weight on both legs to
minimize strain on weight-bearing joints.
B. SITTING
1. Position the buttocks against the back of the chair.
Hips and knees are flexed at right angle to the trunk
2. Keep trunk and head as in standing position
3. Place feet flat on the floor at a 90 ̊ angle to the lower legs
4. If the chair has arms, flex the elbows and place the forearms
on the armrest to avoid shoulder strain
D. ASSISTING THE CLIENT TO MOVE UP IN BED (TWO NURSES)
The nurses will frequently encounter a semi- helpless or immobilized client whose position
must be changed or who must be moved up in bed. Proper use of body mechanics can
enable her (and the helper) to move, lift, or transfer such a client safely and at the same
time avoid musculoskeletal injury.
PROCEDURE
Nurses Alert:
The nurses must avoid dragging the patient up in bed. Dragging against the bed linen causes shearing force. With a
shearing force the skin adheres to the surface of bed while the layers of subcutaneous tissue and even the bones slide in
the direction of body movement. The underlying tissues capillaries are compressed and maybe severed by the pressure.
This can cause bedsores.
Purpose:
Logrolling is used to turn client who has a spinal cord injury, or who has had a
spinal cord operation (with a prosthesis or pain). Another nurse should assist
you with this procedure.
Equipment:
1. Pillows
2. Draw sheets
3. Wedge
4. Extra linen as needed