Figure 2-7. Body positions for moving and lifting.
(2) To move the patient away from you, let the arm holding the patient slide
on the surface away from you while you shift your weight forward from rear to front foot.
(3) To lift the patient, first move the patient toward you. This keeps the
centers of gravity close together. Keeping elbows close to your body, straighten your
knees to equalize the weight on both feet. Support the weight of the patient against the
chest as you shift your weight backward.
(4) To lower the patient to the bed surface, flex the knees to lower your
body to working level.
2-5. TECHNIQUES IN MOVING BED PATIENTS
a. Preparation Before Moving Patients. The principles of body mechanics
should be employed when assisting or moving the patient. Important points that should
be resolved before the procedures start include the following:
(1) Check the medical officer's orders and the nursing care plan card in
order to determine any restriction of the patient's movement and to know what the
patient should be encouraged to do. Explain to the patient, how he can assist in the
procedure.
(2)
Obtain the equipment and the assistance necessary before moving
patient.
(3) Ensure that the bed wheels are locked; and start with the bed level
(unless contraindicated).
b. Moving a Patient Up in the Bed. There is a tendency for the mattress and
the patient to slip down when the head of the bed has been elevated. Lower the head
rail to a level position and move the mattress up before repositioning the patient, as free
space at the foot of the bed is needed to adjust the bedding.
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