(3)
Ribs should be elevated to prevent constriction of the chest.
(4) Arms and legs should be in a position of function (the position for
maximum usefulness of the joints, feet, and hands).
(a) Position of function of legs and feet. This position favors standing
upright and walking. In general, if the toes point to the ceiling when in a back-lying
position and point to the floor when in a front-lying position, the feet, legs, and hips are
in good alignment.
(b) Position of function of arms and hands. This position favors raising
the arms and grasping things with the fingers. The hand should not droop at the wrist,
be clenched in a fist, or be flat. The position of function for the hand is dorsiflexion (at a
slight upward angle) at the wrist, with the fingers and thumb in position to write with a
pencil.
2-4.
MOVING AND LIFTING ACTIVITIES
Body mechanics enable medical personnel to perform moving and lifting
activities while avoiding back strain. Primarily, the concern is for moving patients while
standing at a hospital bed; however, the methods discussed can apply also to lifting or
moving objects of similar weight.
a. Prepare the Patient and Your Body for Lifting Movement. Before starting
to lift a patient, always explain the procedure to him. In addition, prepare your body for
the lifting movement as follows:
(1) Stand with your feet apart, one foot advanced (figure 2-7A) facing the
side of the bed.
(2) Lower your body to the working level by flexing your knees and at the
same time keeping your back straight (figure 2-7B).
(3) Lean forward and slide your hands and arms under the patient, keeping
the elbows close to your body and the back straight. At the same time, tense contract
the abdominal and gluteal muscles in anticipation of moving the patient (figure 2-7C).
b. Mechanics of Body Movements. The following procedures relate to the
mechanics of your body as you move the patient in the various directions.
(1) To move the patient toward you, let the arm holding the patient slide on
the surface toward you while shifting your weight backward from front to rear foot
(figure 2-7D).
MD0556
2-7