CNA Chapter 10

List nine guidelines for using proper body mechanics.

1) Assess the load 2) Think ahead, plan, and communicate the move 3) Check your base of support and be sure you have firm footing 4) Face what you are lifting 5) Keep your back straight 6) Begin in a squatting position and lift with your legs 7) Tighten your stomach muscles when beginning to lift 8) Keep the object close to your body 9) Push when possible, rather than lifting

List five guidelines for using a mechanical lift.

1) Be careful, have another person assist you when transferring a resident with these lifts. 2) Keep the chair/wheelchair to which the resident is to be moved close to be, so the resident will only move a short distance in the lift. 3) Check that the valves are working on the lift before using it. 4) Check the sling and straps for any fraying or tears. 5) Open the legs of the stand to the widest position before helping the resident into the lift 6) Once the resident is in the sling and the straps are connected, pump up the lift only to the point where the resident's body clears the bed or chair.

Transfer belt

A belt made of canvas or other heavy material that is used to help people who are weak, unsteady, or uncoordinated to stand, sit, or walk; also called a gait belt.

Gait belt

A belt made of canvas or other heavy material that is used to help people who are weak, unsteady, or uncoordinated to stand, sit, or walk; also called a transfer belt.

Supine

A body position in which a person lies flat on his back

Functional grip cane

A cane that has a straight grip handle

Quad cane

A cane that has four rubber-tipped feet and rectangular base.

Fowler's

A semi-sitting body position, in which a person's head and shoulders are elevated 45 to 60 degrees

C cane

A straight cane with a curved handle at the top

Slide board

A wooden board that helps transfer people who are unable to bear weight on their leg; also called a transfer board.

Walker

Adaptive equipment used for people who are unsteady or who lack balance; usually has four rubber-tipped feet and/or wheels.

Stretcher

Also called a gurney; a medical device used to move injured or ill persons from one place to another

What is a draw sheet?

An extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet when the bed is made; used for moving residents

Draw Sheet

An extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet; used for moving residents

Ambulation

Another word for walking

Sims'

Body position in which a person is lying on his left side with the upper knee flexed and raised toward the chest.

Ambulatory

Capable of walking

Which type of adaptive device for walking can be used when a resident can bear no weight on one leg- cane, walker, or crutches?

Crutches

How often should bedbound residents be repositioned?

Every 2 hours.

How many feet does a quad cane have?

Four

In which position is a resident in a semi-sitting position (45 to 60 degrees) with the head and shoulders elevated?

Fowler's

In which position is a resident lying on his side?

Lateral

Before helping a resident into or out of a wheelchair, what should a nursing assistant do?

Lock the wheelchair and make sure the resident is wearing non-skid footwear that is securely fastened

Logrolling

Moving a person as a unit, without disturbing the alignment of the body.

In which position is a resident lying on his stomach?

Prone

Shearing

Rubbing or friction that results from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction.

What is shearing?

Rubbing or friction that results from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction.

In which position is a resident lying on his left side with the lower arm behind the back and the upper knee bent and raised toward the chest?

Sims'

When may stretchers be used for residents?

Stretchers may be used for serious injuries and illnesses and/or when a person cannot or should not walk but need to be transported somewhere

In which position is a resident lying flat on his back?

Supine

Positioning

The act of helping people into positions that promote comfort and health

What is positioning?

The act of helping people into positions that promote comfort and health

What is one benefit of using the toilet rather than a bedpan or urinal?

The bladder empties more efficiently when a person is able to use the toilet

Lateral

The body position in which a person is lying on either side

Prone

The body position in which a person is lying on his stomach, or front side of the body

What is the purpose of canes?

The purpose of a cane is to help with balance

Ergonomics

The science of designing equipment, areas, and work tasks to make them safer and to suit the worker's abilities

If a resident has a weaker side, which side moves first in a transfer- the weaker or stronger side?

The stronger side first

Describe how a transfer belt is applied.

The transfer belt is placed over the resident's clothing and around the waist. The buckle is tightened until it is snug. Then the buckle is positioned slightly off-center in the front or back for comfort.

Which side should a nursing assistant stand near when a resident is using adaptive equipment the weaker or stronger side?

The weaker side

How does dangling benefit a resident?

This helps resident regain balance before standing up and allows blood pressure to stabilize. Especially useful for residents who are unable to walk.

Dangle

To sit up with the legs hanging over the side of the bed in order to regain balance and stabilize blood pressure

When is logrolling necessary?

When turning residents' that have neck or back problems, spinal cord injuries, or back or hip surgeries. These residents' require that their spinal columns are kept in alignment.

Define ambulation.

the act of walking