Transcript Powerpoint - Austin Community College

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
Mobility is the ability to move freely, easily,
and purposefully in the environment.
Individuals must move to protect themselves
from trauma and to meet their basic needs.
Mobility is vital to independence
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
Prolonged inactivity can lead to
physical and mental deterioration
You will care for patients who are
inactive from:
◦ Immobility
◦ Prescribed bed rest
◦ Critical illness
◦ Neurological damage
◦ Trauma
◦ Pain
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Impaired physical mobility related to:
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Risk for injury related to:
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Activity intolerance related to:
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The patient will:
 Use
of the body (nervous and
musculoskeletal system) in
movement (lifting, bending, moving)
and at rest

Health care workers use proper body
mechanics to:
1. Reduce fatigue
2. Prevent Injury
3. Maintain balance
4. Conserve Energy
1.
Center of Gravity– located in the pelvis, it is
the point where the body’s mass is
centered.
2.
Line of Gravity - Balance is maintained
when the line of gravity passes through the
base of support or center of gravity. ( base
of support includes the feet and the
distance between the feet)
1.
Size up your load to determine
whether you need help. Know your
abilities and limitations when lifting.
Get help or find an alternative method
of moving the patient.
2.
It is easier to push, pull, or roll an object
rather than to lift it. Pulling is easier
than pushing,
- so pull patients toward you rather
than pushing them.
3.
The wider the base of support and the
lower the center of gravity, the greater the
stability.
 You can lower your center of gravity by
bending your knees
 You can widen the base of support by
moving your feet apart
4.
Objects that are closer to the center of
gravity, the more effective and stable that
force is, and are moved with less effort
- To support a patient, stand close, keep
them close to your body
- Carry an object close to your body
5. The amount of work required to move an
object is directly related to the amount of
resistance and gravitational pull. Friction is a
resistive force between two objects.
- keep sheets wrinkle free to decrease friction
- lower the head of bed to move patient up
in bed
6.
Use the larger and stronger muscles of
legs and arms rather than the weaker
muscles of your back. It is less fatiguing
and safer.
7.
Move your body as a unit – avoid
twisting, stretching, or stooping
-
-
keep your back straight
Twisting the back causes a shift in balance
and can strain the structures in the low
back area
Face in the direction you are moving
1.
Twisting (rotation) of the
thoracolumbar, stretching, or
reaching.
2.
Acute flexion of the back with hips
and knees straight (stooping).
Move your body as a Unit

Plan ahead
**If
the patient is unable to assist with
the transfer
or
If the patient is large
GET HELP !
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Note conditions that impair the patient’s
activity and mobility
Observe position in bed, alignment
Identify the patient’s level of consciousness
and capacity for following directions
Determine the patient’s strength and ability to
assist with moving
Estimate the effort required to move the
patient in relation to his size, wt.
1.
Change the position every 2 hours unless
otherwise indicated
2.
You do not need an order to turn a
patient, but the doctor should write an
activity order
3.
Aim= put the least amount of stress on his
/ her joints and skin.
4.
Use a draw sheet to reduce shearing force
on the patient’s skin
5.
If you place the patient in proper
alignment, he will remain functional and
unstressed
6.
If patient is too large, get help
7.
Falls are the most common hazard, so be
aware of measure to prevent this
8.
Put on foot covers—patients shoes, slippers
with firm soles.
9.
Get the patient to assist if possible
10.
When moving a patient up in bed, have them
bend their knees and place soles firmly on
bed– this reduces drag.
11.
Be sure everyone knows what is expected
on them, including the patient.
Communicate your intention clearly
12.
If restraint devices are being usedremove and reapply.
13.
Be sure locks are “on” all moveable
equipment.
14.
Document patient’s activity and how
tolerated activity as soon as finished.
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Frequent change of position helps to prevent:
◦ Muscle discomfort
◦ Undue pressure resulting in pressure ulcers
◦ Damage to superficial nerves and blood
vessels
◦ Contractures
1.
Make sure the mattress is firm and level
2.
Ensure bed is clean, dry, wrinkle-free
3.
Place support devices in specified areas
according to the patients condition
4.
Avoid placing one part on top of another
5.
Ask the patient what position is most
comfortable and appropriate.
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Supine
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Prone
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Fowlers
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Lateral / Side-lying
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Sims
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Some patient’s who are weak, unsteady,
and shaky when first getting out of bed
may need help with ambulation.
1.
Determine the patient’s most recent activity
level
2.
Assess patient’s current condition, including
fatigue, pain, dizziness, medications
3.
Assess environment for safety
4.
Assess need for ambulation equipment
5.
Assess patient’s shoes and be sure they are
safe for walking, and covering.