USING BODY MECHANICS

Using body mechanics

Body Mechanics: way in which the body moves and maintains balance with the most efficient use of all of it’s parts Prevents injury to yourself or others Muscles work best when used correctly Makes pulling/pushing/lifting easier Prevents fatigue and strain

8 Rules of Body Mechanics

Maintain a broad base of support Bend from the hips and knees to get

close to an object Use the strongest muscles to do the job Use the weight of your body to help push

or pull an object Carry heavy objects close to the body Avoid twisting your body as you work Avoid bending for long periods of time

Good Support

If a patient or an object is too heavy to lift alone, get help

Use assistive equipment to help or move move patients

Back Supports Required by some health care facilities

when moving patients Should be the correct size to provide

maximum benefits

Preventing Accidents and Injuries Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) Division of the Department of labor Establishes and enforces safety standards

Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals Requires employers to inform employees of all

chemicals and hazards in the work place Identify the types and locations of all chemicals or

hazards Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Mandates to protect health care providers from disease caused by exposure to body fluids

Body fluids: Blood, urine, stool, semen/vaginal secretions, cerebral final fluid, saliva, mucus

Ergonomics

Applied science used to promote the safety and well-being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries Components

Correct placement Training Avoid repetitive motions Awareness

Healthcare Safety

Conscious of personal and patient safety Alert to unsafe conditions Accept responsibility and use good

judgment Ask question Follow policies and procedures Remember your legal responsibilities to

protect patients from harm or injury

Safety Basics

Don’t operate equipment until you have been instructed

Read and follow instructions Report damaged or malfunctioning

equipment Don’t use frayed or damaged electrical cords Don’t handle electrical equipment with wet

hands or around water Store electrical equipment in it’s proper place Observe safety rules when handling

equipment

Safety Basics

Observe all safety rules Read the material safety data sheets before

using hazardous chemical solutions Never use solutions from bottles that are not

labeled Read labels Don’t mix solutions Store all chemical solutions in a locked cabinet

or closet Dispose of chemical solutions according to eh

MSDS instructions Report equipment breaks or spills immediately

Patient Safety

Don’t perform procedures unless you have been instructed to do so

Provide privacy for all patients Identify your patient Explain the procedure Observe your patient during the

procedure Check all areas for safety hazards Observe for safety when you leave a

patient’s room

Personal Safety

Protect yourself and others from injury Use correct body mechanics Wear the required uniform Walk Report any personal accident or injury Report unsafe situations Keep areas neat and clean Wash hands frequently Observe all safety precautions

Fires

Three things are needed to start a fire Oxygen Fuel Heat

Causes: Smoking Electrical Heating defects Arson Spontaneous ignition

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are labeled for the type of fire they are most effective at putting out

Discharging an Extinguisher Read instructions Locate and release the lock or pin at top handle Grasp the handle to hold the extinguisher in an

upright position Stand 6-10 ft. from the edge of the fire Aim nozzle at fire and discharge the

extinguisher Use side-to-side motions Spray starting at the bottom edge and work inward Remain a safe distance form the fire

PASS

Pull the Pin Aim the extinguisher Squeeze the handle to discharge Sweep from side to side at the base

After a fire make sure the extinguisher is recharged or replaced

Fire Rules

Remain calm If personal safety is endangered evacuate

according to stated method Know the emergency plans of your facility Move patients to safety Activate alarm Close doors to prevent drafts Shut off O2 and electrical equipment Don’t use elevators

RACE

Rescue anyone in immediate danger Move patients to safe area

Activate the alarm Contain the fire

Close windows or doors to prevent drafts Extinguish or Evacuate

Extinguish fire if it is small and contained Evacuate if large fire that is spreading

Preventing Fires

Be alert to causes of fires Correct all situations that can lead to fires Obey “No Smoking” signs Extinguish matches, cigarettes and any

other flammable items completely Dispose waste materials properly Handle electrical equipment Store flammable materials in a safe place Don’t allow clutter to build up When oxygen is in use, observe precautions

Other Disasters

Tornados, Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, bomb threats, explosions

Stay calm Follow the facility policy Provide safety to yourself and your

patients You are legally responsible to familiarize

yourself with the policies for all disasters

Test 3

100 points 12 matching/15 matching 10 MC 13 T/F 7 short answer

Therapeutic diets: Types, patients, food examples

Main info about protein, carbs, fats, minerals and vitamins including functions

RACE and PASS Vocabulary words