body mechanism nursing lecture- fundamental nursing

INTRODUCTION
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.

DEFINITION
Body mechanics the term used to describe the
efficient, coordinated, and safe use of the body to
move objects and carry out the Activities of Daily
Living (ADL’s).

PURPOSES
• To maintain good balance.
• To reduce the energy required.
• To avoid excessive fatigue.
• To avoid muscle strains or tears.
• To avoid skeletal injuries.
• To avoid injury to the patient.
• To avoid injury to assisting staff members

Principles of Body Mechanics
• The wider the base of support, the greater the
stability.
• The lower the centre of gravity, the greater the
stability.
• The equilibrium of an object is maintained as along as
the line of gravity passes through its base of support.

•Facing the direction of movement prevents abnormal
twisting of the spine.

•Dividing balanced activity between arms and legs reduces
the risk of back injury.
•It is easier to pull, push or roll an object than it is to lift it
•Movements shouldbe smooth and coordinated rather
than jerky

•When friction is reduced between the object to be
moved and the surface on which it is moved, less force is
required to move it.
•Less energy or force is required to keep an object moving
than it is to start and stop it.
•Use the arm and leg muscles as much as possible, the
back muscles as little as possible

• Keep the work as close as possible to your body. It
puts less of a strain on your back, legs, and arms
• Keep the work at a comfortable height to avoid
excessive bending at the waist.
• Keep your body in good physical condition to
reduce the chance of injury.

• Rest between periods of work promotes work
endurance.

MOVING, LIFTING, TRANSFERRING.
 Adjust the head of bed to a flat position as low as the
client can tolerate.
 Raise the bed to the height of nurses, centre of
gravity and lock the wheels on the bed.
 Ask the client to flex his or her hips and knees and
position the feet so that they can be used effectively
for pushing.
Moving a client up in bed

 Remove all pillows, then place one against the head of the
bed to protect the client's head during the upward move.
 If the client has limited mobility or strength of upper
extremities and cannot assist Place his/her arms across the
chest.
 Ask the client to flex the neck during movement.
 Incline the trunk forward from the hips. Flex the hips,
knees, ankles.

 Place one arm under the client's back and shoulder and
the other under the thighs.
 Tighten your gluteal, abdominal, leg and arm muscles.
 Elevate the head of the bed. Provide appropriate support
devices for client's new positions.

 Stand as close as possible at the side of the bed toward
which the client will be moved and opposite to the
client's chest.
 Place the client's nearer arm across his chest.
 Incline your trunk forward from the hips. Flex your hips,
knees and ankles.
Moving a client to the side of the bed:

 Place your arms and hands with palms facing upward
close together beneath the client’s suspires.
 To move the client's legs and feet, place your hands close
together beneath the client’s ankle.
 Elevate the side rail to the client.

 Assist the client to a sitting position on the side of the bed.
 Assist the client to put on slippers.
 Place a transfer belt snugly around the client's waist.
 Lower the bed to its lowest position so that the client's
feet rest flat on the floor. Lock the wheel of the chair.
 Place the wheel chair at the right angle to the bed and as
close to the bed as possible.
Transferring a client from a bed and wheel chair :

 Ask the client to move forward to sit at the edge of the
bed, lean forward slightly from the hips, place and foot the
stronger leg beneath him and put other foot forward.
 Ask the client to place his or her hands on the bed surface
or on the nurses shoulder so that he or she can push while
standing.
 Stand directly in front of client: Incline the trunk forward
from the hips. Flex the hips, knees, ankles.

 Client's waist with your arms and grasp- Tighten your
gluteal, abdominal legs and arm muscles.
 Support the client in an upright standing position for few
moments.
 Ask the client to place the foot of stranger leg slightly
behind the other to keep other foot with weight upon it.
Forward to place both hands on the wheel chair arms.
 Ask clint to push himself back in wheel-chair seat.

 Crutch gait is the gait of a person assumed on crutches
by alternating his weight on one or both legs and
crutches. Five standard crutch gait are four point gait,
three point gait, two point gait, swing to gait and swing
through gait.
Walking by means of Crutches :

Walking by means of Crutches :

 Move the right crutch ahead a suitable distance.
 Move to the legs front foot forward, preferable to the
level of left crutch.
 Move the left crutch forward.
 Move the right foot forward.
Four point gait:

 Move both crutches and weaker leg forward.
 Move the strong leg forward.
Three point gait:

 Move the left crutch and right foot forward
together.
 Move right crutch and left foot ahead together.
Two point gait :

 Swing both crutches ahead together.
 Lift his weight by arm and swing to the crutches.
Swing to gait:

 Move both crutches forward together.
 Lift his weight by arms and swings through and
beyond the crutches.
Swing through gait :

body mechanism nursing lecture- fundamental nursing

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