Intro to Radiography and Patient Care Exam 3 Part 3

center of gravity

A hypothetical area of the body where the mass of the body is concentrated; gravity works from this area Typically at level of *second sacral segment* Holding heavy objects close to your center of gravity permits easier and safer transfer Stability can be achieved when a body's center of gravity is over its base of support

Orthostatic hypotension

A sudden drop in blood pressure caused by a change in a patient's body position More pronounced in patients who have been bedridden for extended periods Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and slurred speech To minimize the severity of orthostatic hypotension, have the patient stand slowly Encourage the patient to talk during the transfer by asking simple questions Do not send a symptomatic patient away and risk having the patient faint on the way to his or her room

Two-person lift

A, The first person asks the patient to cross his or her arms over the chest. The person making the transfer stands behind the patient, reaches under the patient's axillae, and grasps the patient's crossed forearms. The assistant squats in front of the patient and cradles the patient's thighs in one hand and the patient's calves in the other. B, At the command of the person supporting the patient's upper body, the patient is lifted to clear the wheelchair and moved as a unit to the desired place.

Patient transfer with draw sheet

Cart-to-table transfer without a moving device A, Begin by rolling up the draw sheet on both sides of the patient. B, The person directing the transfer supports the patient's head and upper body from the far side of the radiographic table. An assistant supports the patient's pelvic girdle from the cart side. A second assistant supports the patient's legs from the tableside. The patient's arms can be crossed over the chest to avoid injury or getting in the way.

Wheelchair transfers

Determine patient's strong and weak sides Always position the patient so that he or she transfers toward the strong side Lock wheelchair locks and move footrests out of the way Four types of wheelchair transfers

Muscles and transfers

Extremity muscles are classified as mobility muscles. Muscles of the torso are stability muscles. For effective patient transfers and handling, technologists should use mobility muscles for lifting and stability postural muscles for support.

Base of support

Fundamental to good patient handling techniques are the concepts of the base of support, center of gravity, and mobility and stability muscles The base of support is the foundation on which a body rests A wider stance improves your base of support. Standing with both feet flat on the floor improves the base of support. Standing with feet apart to increase the base of support improves stability. Standing on "tiptoes" decreases surface in contact with the floor and narrows the base of support.

Lifting principles

Lifting should be done by bending and straightening the knees. The back should be kept straight or in a position of slightly increased lumbar lordosis. Allow ample time, and handle patients gently. Always inform the patient of what you are going to do and how you intend to proceed. When performing a transfer, let the patient do as much of the work as possible. Before executing the transfer, check the patient's chart and verify whether he or she has a restricted weight-bearing status. Patients with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, may overestimate their transfer abilities and require assistance Execute the transfer slowly enough for the patient to feel secure The patient's center of gravity should be held close to the mover's center of gravity Taking a transfer belt is a good practice when planning to perform transfers Avoid loose clothing on the patient. Let patient perform as much of the transfer as they can When lifting a patient, keep the back stationary and let the legs do all of the lifting Twisting should be avoided After the patient is standing, help him or her to pivot around to a bed or x-ray table and to sit down

Cart transfer

Make sure cart wheels are locked and immovable Allow patient to assist with move based on the patient's ability and condition Cart transfers usually require 3 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

Body mechanics

The purpose of a patient transfer is to safely move a patient from one place to another Safety involves both the patient and the people doing the transfer The application of proper lifting and transfer techniques increases job safety Radiologic imaging professionals who use proper transfer techniques can reduce their injuries and minimize low back pain

Good body mechanics

Use good posture Always keep your body's line of balance close to your center of gravity (below waistline) Hold object closer to body Bend your knees Don't twist your trunk Push rather than pull

Hydraulic lift technique

Used for heavy patients Familiarize yourself thoroughly with lift operations before using this type of lift Patients need to be seated on a lift sling before using this type of lift Sending a patient back to the ward to return sitting on a sling is better than risking injury to the patient, the mover, or both by attempting transfer without using a sling Communication is critical to lift success

Stand-by assist transfer

Used for patients who have the ability to transfer from a wheelchair to a table on their own Provide movement instructions to the patient continually during transfer

Assisted standing pivot transfer

Used when transferring a patient from a wheelchair to a table A, Use a transfer belt to hold the patient securely. B, Have the patient sit on the edge of the wheelchair seat. Provide assistance as needed. C, Have the patient push down on the arms of the wheelchair to assist in rising. D, Bend at the knees, keeping your back straight, and grasp the transfer belt with both hands. E, As the patient rises to standing, rise also by straightening your knees. F, When the patient is ready, pivot toward the table until the patient can feel the table against the back of the thighs. G, Ask the patient to hold onto the table with both hands and to slowly sit down