Body Mechanics
define what body mechanics is?
refers to the way you hold your body when you move around
list 3 reasons why body mechanics is important?
-helps avoid muscle fatigue, muscle strain, and injury
-reduces cost to the resident/patient and the facility
-reduces employee absences due to back injury & company liability
what are the ABC's of body mechanics?
Alignment
base of support
coordination
what are 7 key points to remember with body mechanics?
keep object close to the body
feet are base of support
the pelvis is the center of gravity
a low center of gravity gives you a more stable base of support
bend at the hips and knees
use large muscles
push or slide heavy objects, & lift as last resort
what should a NA do when a resident is about to fall?
control direction of fall
erase the resident to the floor
protect the head
do not leave the patient & call nurse with call light
do not try to hold the patient up