copyright © 2008 delmar learning. all rights reserved. unit 16 the patient’s mobility: transfer...

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.

Unit 16

The Patient’s Mobility:

Transfer Skills


Objectives

• Spell and define terms.• List the guidelines for safe transfers.• Describe the difference between a

standing transfer and a sitting transfer.• Demonstrate correct application of a

transfer belt.


Objectives

• List at least seven factors to consider before lifting or moving a patient to determine whether additional equipment or assistance is necessary.

• Apply the principles of good body mechanics and ergonomics to moving and transferring patients.


Introduction

• As a nursing assistant, you will work with many patients who have impaired mobility.

• In the last unit, you learned how to move and position patients in bed.

• In this unit, you will learn how to transfer patients.


Nursing Assistant Safety

• Patient lifts and transfers are listed as tasks with the highest risk of injury because:– Workers end up in awkward positions

and confined spaces– Workers are bending or reaching while

the back is flexed



• Factors that further increase the risk of injury are:– Patient weight– Transfer distance– Confined workspace– Lateral patient transfers– Unpredictable patient behavior– Stooping, bending, and reaching



• Although the nurse or therapist selects the method of transfer– You will need to determine if you will need

another person or piece of equipment to assist you



• Key elements for you to consider are:– Patient’s ability to assist with the procedure– Patient’s ability to bear weight– Patient’s upper extremity strength– If a sliding board or certain other transfers

are used



• Key elements for you to consider are:– Patient’s ability to cooperate and follow

directions– Patient’s size (height and weight)

compared with your size



• Key elements for you to consider are:– If the patient is larger than you are

• You may need help from another assistant or a mechanical device

– If the patient is smaller than you are, is dependent, or cannot cooperate• You may also need help



• Key elements for you to consider are:– Wounds– Surgical sites– Catheters, IVs, tubes, contractures, etc.

that restrict or interfere with mobility• Always get help if there is danger of removing a

tube during transfer



• Key elements for you to consider are:– Special physician orders or therapy

recommendations for transfers and positioning• Such as you would see in a patient who has

had hip surgery



• Some facilities have implemented “no lift” policies– “No manual lifting” should be done



• Facilities with “no lift” or “zero lift” policies – Usually depend on mechanical aids to

reduce friction when moving a patient



• Some use a combination of mechanical, electrical, and ceiling-mounted lifts for moving patients vertically

• Many facilities require the use of gait belts


Types of Transfers

• Basic types of transfers are:– Standing transfer– Sitting transfer– Lateral transfer– Vertical transfer

• Done with a mechanical lift


Transfers

• A transfer belt– Webbed belt 1½ to 2 inches wide and

about 54 to 60 inches long– Assistive and safety device used to

transfer or ambulate patients


Transfers

• During transfer and when wheelchair is parked– Always position small front wheels facing

forward and lock brakes

• Refer to Figure 16-2


Transfers


Transfers

• A sliding board is a plastic or wooden board that is about two feet long with a slippery surface

• It is used for a sitting lateral transfer


Stretcher Transfers

• To move a patient from his or her room to another room for surgery, treatment, or diagnostic testing

• Procedure may be very frightening to the patient– Assure patient that procedure is safe


Moving the Patient with a Mechanical Lift

• For moving heavy patients who have little or no ability to assist

• Safer for both the patient and nursing assistant


Moving the Patient with a Mechanical Lift

• Moves patient from one surface to another by means of a vertical transfer

• Many types of mechanical lifts are used


Toilet Transfers

• Bladder is emptied much more efficiently if a patient can use a toilet or commode rather than a urinal or bedpan

• To use the toilet– Patient must possess transfer skills


Tub Transfers

• In the institutional setting– A shower with chair or a tub with hydraulic

lift is available

• If the patient is at home– A tub chair, a rail on the wall beside the

tub, and slip-proof mats in the tub are needed for safety


Car Transfers

• You may need to assist a patient– Transferring into a car when he or she is

discharged from the hospital

• If you are working in the patient’s home– It may be your responsibility to assist the

patient when going in and out of a car

copyright © 2008 delmar learning. all rights reserved. unit 16 the patient’s mobility: transfer...

Documents

delmar learning

patients mobility

position patients

transfer belt

sitting transfer

transfer skillscopyright

standing transfer

safe transfers