Fundamental Concepts and Skills for
Nursing Chapter 18
Describe the anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system. - The musculoskeletal
system contains skeletal muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, joints, and cartilage. (function
-see terms)
Explain the importance of proper body mechanics, alignment, and position change for both
patient and nurse. - Will increase your confidence in being able to safely move and transfer
patients while keeping yourself safe and free from back injury
Basically, changing position accomplishes four things: (1) it provides comfort; (2) it relieves
pressure on bony prominences and other parts; (3) it helps prevent contractures, deformities,
and respiratory problems; and (4) it improves circulation. It is essential to know how to correctly
support and position the patient while maintaining good body mechanics
Discuss the principles of body movement and positioning, giving an appropriate example for
each principle. - 1. maintain correct anatomic position
2. change may experience complications
*If these principles are not observed, the patient may experience complications
Identify ways to maintain the patient's correct body alignment in bed or in a chair. - Positioning
techniques:
Lateral
Fowlers
Sims
Prone
Supine
Describe the proper method for transferring a patient between wheelchair and bed. - SILL 18-4
Assessment-size, ability
Planning-gather wheelchair&transfer belt, maintain privacy, get help if needed, explain the
procedure
Implementation- hand hygiene, wheelchair placement, transfer belt, lower bed&side rail, dangle
patient, place slippers/shoes, reposition wheelchair, lock wheels, help patient stand, count off,
pivot, assist patient to sit in wheelchair.
Nursing Chapter 18
Describe the anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system. - The musculoskeletal
system contains skeletal muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, joints, and cartilage. (function
-see terms)
Explain the importance of proper body mechanics, alignment, and position change for both
patient and nurse. - Will increase your confidence in being able to safely move and transfer
patients while keeping yourself safe and free from back injury
Basically, changing position accomplishes four things: (1) it provides comfort; (2) it relieves
pressure on bony prominences and other parts; (3) it helps prevent contractures, deformities,
and respiratory problems; and (4) it improves circulation. It is essential to know how to correctly
support and position the patient while maintaining good body mechanics
Discuss the principles of body movement and positioning, giving an appropriate example for
each principle. - 1. maintain correct anatomic position
2. change may experience complications
*If these principles are not observed, the patient may experience complications
Identify ways to maintain the patient's correct body alignment in bed or in a chair. - Positioning
techniques:
Lateral
Fowlers
Sims
Prone
Supine
Describe the proper method for transferring a patient between wheelchair and bed. - SILL 18-4
Assessment-size, ability
Planning-gather wheelchair&transfer belt, maintain privacy, get help if needed, explain the
procedure
Implementation- hand hygiene, wheelchair placement, transfer belt, lower bed&side rail, dangle
patient, place slippers/shoes, reposition wheelchair, lock wheels, help patient stand, count off,
pivot, assist patient to sit in wheelchair.
