lOMoARcPSD|50131128
Chapter 13 - 18 - Introduction to Radiologic & Imaging
Sciences & Patient Care, 8th Edition.
Radiologic Technology I (Delgado Community College)
, lOMoARcPSD|50131128
Chapter 13 Biomechanics and Ergonomics Center of Gravity
A hypothetical area of the body where the mass of the body is
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) concentrated; gravity works from this area.
Radiologic and medical imaging sciences professionals can be Typically at level of second sacral segment S2. slight
particularly vulnerable to work-related injuries. variations between men and women.
Lifting patients, Rolling patients, Manipulating and positioning Holding heavy objects close to your center of gravity
equipment can cause ergonomic tissue injuries related to permits easier and safer transfer.
health and condition of connective tissues - tendons. Stability can be achieved when a body’s center of gravity is
over its base of support.
Medical sonographers have the highest rate of WRMSDs.
Muscle Designs. Lifting Principles
***Stability muscles - torso - red muscles Lifting should be done by bending and straightening the
***Mobility muscles - limbs - white muscles knees.
The back should be kept straight or in a position of slightly
Body Mechanics increased lumbar lordosis.
The purpose of a patient transfer is to safely move a patient Allow ample time, and handle patients gently.
from one place to another. Always inform the patient of what you are going to do and
Safety involves both the patient and the people doing the how you intend to proceed.
transfer. When performing a transfer, let patients do as much of the
The application of proper lifting and transfer techniques work as possible.
increases job safety. Before executing the transfer, check the patient’s chart and
Radiologic and medical imaging sciences professionals who verify whether he or she has a restricted weight-bearing status.
use proper transfer techniques can reduce their injuries and Patients with cognitive impairments such as dementia, may
minimize low back pain. overestimate their transfer abilities and require assistance. --
Check fall risk
Good Body Mechanics Execute the transfer slowly enough for the patient to feel
Use good posture. secure.
Always keep your body’s line of balance close to your center of The patient’s center of gravity should be held close to the
gravity (below waistline - S2). mover’s center of gravity.
*Hold object close to body. A transfer belt can be used around patient’s waist to secure
*Bend your knees. grip and minimize stress on their shoulder girdle as you pull
*Don’t twist your trunk. them up and toward you.
*Push rather than pull. Secure loose clothing on the patient. Make sure they have
grippy socks or shoes
Stable when center of gravity is OVER base of support, and After the patient is standing, help him or her to pivot around to
i f holding object, hold it close to center of gravity which is a bed or X-ray table and to sit down.
around S2
Orthostatic Hypotension
Proper Patient Handling Requirements A sudden drop in blood pressure caused by a change in a
Good base of support. patient’s body position.
Awareness of one’s center of gravity. More pronounced in patients who have been bedridden for
Use of correct muscles for mobility. extended periods.
Use of muscles to maintain stability. Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include dizziness,
Pay attention to condition of orthostatic hypotension in fainting, blurred vision, and slurred speech.
patient. (dizzy when standing up to quickly, sudden drop in To minimize the severity of orthostatic hypotension, have the
blood pressure) patient stand slowly.
Encourage the patient to talk during the transfer by asking
Base of Support simple questions.
A wide base of support is essential for stability. Do not send a symptomatic patient away and risk having the
The base of support is the foundation on which a body rests. patient faint on the way to their room.
Base of support is the area between the feet, including the
plantar surface area, in a standing position. Transfer Techniques
Standing with both feet flat on the floor and wide apart Require Teamwork!
improves the base of support and stability Someone needs to take charge of the transfer.
Standing on “tiptoes” decreases surface area in contact with Calls the transfer “play”, Controls timing of transfer,
the floor and narrows the base of support. Synchronizes transfer events, Reviews procedures with team
members
, lOMoARcPSD|50131128
Wheelchair Transfers Patient Positioning Considerations
Determine patient’s strong and weak sides. Talk with the patient and explain what you are going to do.
Always position the patient so that he or she transfers toward Let the patient assist as much as possible.
the strong side. Check with patient before any move is attempted.
Lock wheelchair locks and move footrests out of the way. Roll patient toward you.*
Provide positioning sponges to help the patient maintain
Four types of wheelchair transfers correct positioning.
● Standby assist - can move from wheelchair to
table own their own. We provide instructions during. Work as a transfer team!
● Assisted standing pivot - patients can bear weight
but need assistance. Wheelchair at 45 degrees with Common Recumbent Patient Positions
stronger side closest to table. Use transfer belt if Supine - face up
patient is wearing loose clothes Prone - face down
● Two-person lift - patient cannot bear weight, must be Lateral -on side
lifted if lightweight. Stronger person lifts torso from Sims - side with top leg over
behind and directs. Other person lifts legs. Ask Fowler - head higher
patient to cross arms over chest.
● Hydraulic lift - patient too heavy to lift. 4 caster Communication with patient and team members is critical to
wheels but no wheel lock. Prior arrangements with safe and efficient transfers.
nurse must be made to have patients arrive sitting on Work as a transfer team with a clear leader during the transfer.
a transfer sling. If patient arrives without, send back Let the patient assist with transfers if possible.
until they have sling. Use a broad base of support, and maintain your center of
gravity over base during lift.
Hydraulic Lifts Use transfer and positioning aids when possible.
Used when patients are too heavy to lift manually. Become proactive with your own biomechanics to prevent
Uses the power of hydraulic fluid to handle extreme weights - WRMSKD’s
Release valve mechanism. Practice selected stretching exercises to reduce injury.
Feature adjustable base of support that widens or narrows. Notify supervisors early if you suspect a work-related injury.
Employs a lifting, transfer sling. Incorporate good working biomechanics as a working lifestyle.
Most lifts have standard features: two handles for steering,
manual pump for raising support arm, a release valve to lower Commonly attached medical equipment are oxygen tubing,
the support arm, spreader bar for sling attachment intravenous lines, central lines, postsurgical drains, urine bags.
Cart Transfers (stretcher or gurney)
Make sure cart wheels are locked and immovable, can use
sandbags to further secure
Allow patient to assist with move on the basis of the patient’s
ability and condition.
Cart transfers usually require three people.
Use transfer aids.
For the actual lateral transfer, both transfer surfaces must be
side to side, as close as possible, and at the same height.
Position patient on strong or less affected side.
Cart-to-Table Transfer
Patient Transfer with Draw Sheet. Double layer the sheets,
top layer protect patients skin. Bottom layer allows for gliding
upon. Pull patient not push. Person at head is directing.
Always roll patient toward you.
Skin Damage from Transfers can occur in as little as 1 to 2
hours.
May occur going from one surface type to a different surface
type. Dry surface better.
Caused by several mechanical factors.
Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to skin damage.
Chapter 13 - 18 - Introduction to Radiologic & Imaging
Sciences & Patient Care, 8th Edition.
Radiologic Technology I (Delgado Community College)
, lOMoARcPSD|50131128
Chapter 13 Biomechanics and Ergonomics Center of Gravity
A hypothetical area of the body where the mass of the body is
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) concentrated; gravity works from this area.
Radiologic and medical imaging sciences professionals can be Typically at level of second sacral segment S2. slight
particularly vulnerable to work-related injuries. variations between men and women.
Lifting patients, Rolling patients, Manipulating and positioning Holding heavy objects close to your center of gravity
equipment can cause ergonomic tissue injuries related to permits easier and safer transfer.
health and condition of connective tissues - tendons. Stability can be achieved when a body’s center of gravity is
over its base of support.
Medical sonographers have the highest rate of WRMSDs.
Muscle Designs. Lifting Principles
***Stability muscles - torso - red muscles Lifting should be done by bending and straightening the
***Mobility muscles - limbs - white muscles knees.
The back should be kept straight or in a position of slightly
Body Mechanics increased lumbar lordosis.
The purpose of a patient transfer is to safely move a patient Allow ample time, and handle patients gently.
from one place to another. Always inform the patient of what you are going to do and
Safety involves both the patient and the people doing the how you intend to proceed.
transfer. When performing a transfer, let patients do as much of the
The application of proper lifting and transfer techniques work as possible.
increases job safety. Before executing the transfer, check the patient’s chart and
Radiologic and medical imaging sciences professionals who verify whether he or she has a restricted weight-bearing status.
use proper transfer techniques can reduce their injuries and Patients with cognitive impairments such as dementia, may
minimize low back pain. overestimate their transfer abilities and require assistance. --
Check fall risk
Good Body Mechanics Execute the transfer slowly enough for the patient to feel
Use good posture. secure.
Always keep your body’s line of balance close to your center of The patient’s center of gravity should be held close to the
gravity (below waistline - S2). mover’s center of gravity.
*Hold object close to body. A transfer belt can be used around patient’s waist to secure
*Bend your knees. grip and minimize stress on their shoulder girdle as you pull
*Don’t twist your trunk. them up and toward you.
*Push rather than pull. Secure loose clothing on the patient. Make sure they have
grippy socks or shoes
Stable when center of gravity is OVER base of support, and After the patient is standing, help him or her to pivot around to
i f holding object, hold it close to center of gravity which is a bed or X-ray table and to sit down.
around S2
Orthostatic Hypotension
Proper Patient Handling Requirements A sudden drop in blood pressure caused by a change in a
Good base of support. patient’s body position.
Awareness of one’s center of gravity. More pronounced in patients who have been bedridden for
Use of correct muscles for mobility. extended periods.
Use of muscles to maintain stability. Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include dizziness,
Pay attention to condition of orthostatic hypotension in fainting, blurred vision, and slurred speech.
patient. (dizzy when standing up to quickly, sudden drop in To minimize the severity of orthostatic hypotension, have the
blood pressure) patient stand slowly.
Encourage the patient to talk during the transfer by asking
Base of Support simple questions.
A wide base of support is essential for stability. Do not send a symptomatic patient away and risk having the
The base of support is the foundation on which a body rests. patient faint on the way to their room.
Base of support is the area between the feet, including the
plantar surface area, in a standing position. Transfer Techniques
Standing with both feet flat on the floor and wide apart Require Teamwork!
improves the base of support and stability Someone needs to take charge of the transfer.
Standing on “tiptoes” decreases surface area in contact with Calls the transfer “play”, Controls timing of transfer,
the floor and narrows the base of support. Synchronizes transfer events, Reviews procedures with team
members
, lOMoARcPSD|50131128
Wheelchair Transfers Patient Positioning Considerations
Determine patient’s strong and weak sides. Talk with the patient and explain what you are going to do.
Always position the patient so that he or she transfers toward Let the patient assist as much as possible.
the strong side. Check with patient before any move is attempted.
Lock wheelchair locks and move footrests out of the way. Roll patient toward you.*
Provide positioning sponges to help the patient maintain
Four types of wheelchair transfers correct positioning.
● Standby assist - can move from wheelchair to
table own their own. We provide instructions during. Work as a transfer team!
● Assisted standing pivot - patients can bear weight
but need assistance. Wheelchair at 45 degrees with Common Recumbent Patient Positions
stronger side closest to table. Use transfer belt if Supine - face up
patient is wearing loose clothes Prone - face down
● Two-person lift - patient cannot bear weight, must be Lateral -on side
lifted if lightweight. Stronger person lifts torso from Sims - side with top leg over
behind and directs. Other person lifts legs. Ask Fowler - head higher
patient to cross arms over chest.
● Hydraulic lift - patient too heavy to lift. 4 caster Communication with patient and team members is critical to
wheels but no wheel lock. Prior arrangements with safe and efficient transfers.
nurse must be made to have patients arrive sitting on Work as a transfer team with a clear leader during the transfer.
a transfer sling. If patient arrives without, send back Let the patient assist with transfers if possible.
until they have sling. Use a broad base of support, and maintain your center of
gravity over base during lift.
Hydraulic Lifts Use transfer and positioning aids when possible.
Used when patients are too heavy to lift manually. Become proactive with your own biomechanics to prevent
Uses the power of hydraulic fluid to handle extreme weights - WRMSKD’s
Release valve mechanism. Practice selected stretching exercises to reduce injury.
Feature adjustable base of support that widens or narrows. Notify supervisors early if you suspect a work-related injury.
Employs a lifting, transfer sling. Incorporate good working biomechanics as a working lifestyle.
Most lifts have standard features: two handles for steering,
manual pump for raising support arm, a release valve to lower Commonly attached medical equipment are oxygen tubing,
the support arm, spreader bar for sling attachment intravenous lines, central lines, postsurgical drains, urine bags.
Cart Transfers (stretcher or gurney)
Make sure cart wheels are locked and immovable, can use
sandbags to further secure
Allow patient to assist with move on the basis of the patient’s
ability and condition.
Cart transfers usually require three people.
Use transfer aids.
For the actual lateral transfer, both transfer surfaces must be
side to side, as close as possible, and at the same height.
Position patient on strong or less affected side.
Cart-to-Table Transfer
Patient Transfer with Draw Sheet. Double layer the sheets,
top layer protect patients skin. Bottom layer allows for gliding
upon. Pull patient not push. Person at head is directing.
Always roll patient toward you.
Skin Damage from Transfers can occur in as little as 1 to 2
hours.
May occur going from one surface type to a different surface
type. Dry surface better.
Caused by several mechanical factors.
Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to skin damage.
