Safety; Basic Body Mechanics; Moving & Positioning

Nursing 125

Patient Safety: “Technically the biggest ‘safety system’

in healthcare is the minds and hearts of the workers who keep intercepting the flaws in the system and prevent patients from being hurt. They are the safety net, not the cause of injury”.

Don Berwick

Patient Safety #1 A client’s health and wellness depend

upon safety. Safety is the number 1 priority in all aspects of care.

Nurses need to be aware of safety. The hospital setting is complex, potentially dangerous & unfamiliar to clients.

Ensuring Client safety: Reduces length of stay & cost of

treatment

Reduces frequency of treatment

Reduces potential for law suits

Reduces the number of work-related injuries to personnel

Institute of Medicine Report, 1999 Estimated 48,000-98,000 deaths per year

from medical errors.

Adverse events ranked as the 8th leading cause of death, ahead of MVA’s, breast cancer and AIDS

Extrapolating from the U.S. data, adverse events would account for 4,000-10,000 deaths per year in Canada.

Impetus for action: Threefold1. Health system has a moral imperative

to ensure the safety of patients

2. Adverse events have a tremendous cost to the system in extended hospital stays & additional medical procedures

3. Adverse events expose health organizations to legal liability

A safe environment is one in which basic needs are met, physical hazards are reduced or eliminated, transmission of organisms is reduced and sanitary measures are carried out.

Falls Fall risk, especially in the elderly, is

growing. In hospitalized patients, 4-12 falls occur per 1,000 bed days, ranking them among the 10 most common claims presented to insurance agencies

Nursing Management, September 2002

30% of people 65 yrs and older (in the community) fall at least once each year.

Focus Assessment: To ensure patient safety – the

nurse should conduct a focus assessment during every nurse-patient encounter which includes:

A visual scan of the environment for potential hazards

A quick appraisal of patient related factors

Strategies to help reduce falls: Physical environment Appropriate furniture and lighting

Call bell easily accessible/personal items within reach

Traffic areas free from obstruction

Secure/remove loose carpets or runners

Eliminate clutter

Grab bars in appropriate areas in washroom

Handrails in the halls

Keep bed in a low position – lock bed/wheelchairs/stretcher

Identify clients at risk for falls. If a client experienced falls at home, they will likely continue to be at risk for falls

in the hospital setting. Place them close to nsg station.

Strategies to help reduce falls: (Communication/Assessment) Orient client to physical surroundings

Explain use of call bell

Assess client’s risk for falling

Alert all personnel to the client’s risk for falling

Instruct client and family to seek assistance when getting up

Maintain client’s toileting schedule

Observe/assess client frequently

Encourage family participation in client’s care

Body Mechanics The coordinated efforts of the musculoskeletal

& nervous system to maintain balance, posture & body alignment during lifting, bending, moving & performing ADL’s.

Knowledge & practice of proper body mechanics protect the client and nurse from injury to their musculoskeletal systems.

Correct body alignment reduces strain on musculoskeletal structures, maintains muscle tone, & contributes to balance.

Body Mechanics (cont.) Body balance is achieved when a wide

base of support exists, the center of gravity falls within the base of support & a vertical line can be drawn from the center of gravity through the base of support.

When lifting an object, come close to the object, enlarge the base of support & lower the center of gravity.

Body Mechanics (cont.) Proper body mechanics facilitates

movement without muscle strain & excessive use of muscle energy.

Improper body mechanics can lead to injury for both the nurse & the patient, especially back injury when lifting.

“In 1990, Canadian hospitals reported 30,487 time loss injuries. Fifty-three percent were sustained by nurses. Almost half (of the injuries) were back injuries. Back injury is now recognized as one of the major reasons for ill-health retirement from nursing. Not only is it the most frequent injury sustained by nurses, it is the most debilitating”

Action RationaleWhen planning to move a client, arrange for adequate help. Use mechanical aids if help is unavailable.

Two workers lifting together divide the workload by 50%.

Encourage client to assist as much as possible.

This promotes the client’s abilities & strength while minimizing workload.

Keep back, neck, pelvis and feet aligned. Avoid twisting.

Reduces risk of injury to lumbar vertebrae & muscle groups. Twisting increases risk of injury.

Flex knees; keep feet wide apart. Position self close to client (or object being lifted).

A broad base of support increases stability. The force is minimized. 10 lbs at waist height close to the body is equal to 100 lbs at arms’ length.

Action RationaleUse arms and legs (not back) The leg muscles are stronger,

larger muscles capable of greater work without injury.

Slide client toward yourself using a pull sheet.

Sliding requires less effort than lifting. Pull sheet minimizes shearing forces, which can damage client’s skin.

Set (tighten) abdominal & gluteal muscles in preparation for move.

Preparing muscles for the load minimizes strain.

Person with the heaviest load coordinates efforts of team involved by counting to three.

Simultaneous lifting minimizes the load by any one lifter.

Moving & PositioningMobility – persons ability to move about freely.

Immobility – person unable to move about freely, all body systems at risk for impairment.

Frequent movement improves muscle tone, respiration, circulation & digestion.

Proper positioning at rest also prevents strain on muscles, prevents pressure sores (decubitus ulcers within 24 hours) & joint contractures (abnormal condition of a joint, characterized by flexion & fixation & caused by atrophy & shortening of muscle fibers or by loss of normal elasticity of the skin).

Moving & Positioning (cont.) Pressure Sores – tissues are

compressed, decreased bld supply to area, therefore, decreased oxygen to tissue & cells die.

Correct Positioning Is crucial for maintaining body alignment and comfort,

preventing injury to the musculoskeletal system, and providing sensory, motor, and cognitive stimulation.

It is important to maintain proper body alignment for the patient at all times, this includes when turning or positioning the patient.

Aim – least possible stress on patient’s joints & skin. Maintain body parts in correct alignment so they remain functional and unstressed.

Patients who are immobile need to be repositioned q 2 hrs.

Application of proper body mechanics

“By applying the nursing process and using the critical thinking approach, the nurse can develop individualized care plans for clients with mobility impairments or risk for immobility. A care plan is designed to improve the client’s functional status, promote self care, maintain psychological well being, and reduce the hazards of immobility.”

(Potter and Perry, 2006)

Moving & Positioning: Nursing Process

Assessment Comfort level & alignment while lying down Risk factors - Ability to move, paralysis Level of consciousness Physical ability/motivation Presence of tubes, incisions, equipment

Nursing Diagnosis Defining characteristics from the assessment

Activity intolerance Impaired physical mobility Impaired skin integrity

refer to Perry and Potter

Nursing Process (cont.) Planning

Know expected outcomes – good alignment, increased comfort

Raise bed to comfortable working height Remove pillows & devices Obtain extra help if needed Explain procedure to client

Implementation Wash hands Close door/curtain Put bed in flat position Move immobile patient up in bed Realign patient in correct body alignment (pillows etc.)

Nursing Process (cont.) Evaluation

Assess body alignment, comfort Ongoing assessment of skin condition Use of proper body mechanics (nurse)

Restraints Device used to immobilize a client or an

extremity

A temporary means to control behavior

Restraints are used to: Prevent falls & wandering Protect from self-injury (pulling out tubes) Prevent violence toward others

Restraints deprive a fundamental right to control your own body.

CRNNS Position Statement on Use of Physical Restraints “The Registered Nurses’Assoc. of N.S. recognizes

the right of all persons to be treated in a respectful and dignified manner. Additionally, the CRNNS believes that all individuals have an inherent right to autonomously and independently make decisions regarding their health care. (RNANS, 1997)

Use of physical restraints may violate these inherent rights.

The CRNNS does not endorse the use of physical restraints.

Cautious Use of Restraints While restraint-free care is ideal, there

are times that restraints become necessary to protect the patient & others from harm.

Highly agitated, violent individual – Physical/Chemical restraints

Intubated patient – pulling out endotracheal tube Suicide patient - ? Chemical restraints

Use of Restraints: Use only when absolutely necessary.

Attending physician is responsible for the assessment, ordering & continuation of restraint.

Can be instituted on your nsg judgment – must have a doctors order ASAP.

Continued use of restraints must be reviewed daily by the RN & documented on the health record.

Always explain what you do & why, to reduce anxiety & promote cooperation.

Goals of Restraint Use To avoid the use of restraints whenever possible.

Encourage alternatives

Family member to sit with patient Geri chair vs. bed Non restraint measures – safety belt, wedge pillows, lap tray

Consider restraints as a temporary measure – decrease likelihood of injury from restraint use.

Remove restraints as soon as the patient is no longer at risk for injury.

Complications assoc. with restraints Hazards of immobility

Death Pressure sores, pneumonia, constipation, incontinence,

contractures, decreased mobility, decreased muscle strength, increased dependence

Altered thought processes Humiliation, fear, anger & decreased self-esteem

• Strangulation• Compromised circulation• Lacerations, bruising, impaired skin integrity

• Must release restraint every 2 hours for assessment & ROM

Physical Restraints – device that limits a clients ability to move

Side rails – stop patient from rolling out, but does not stop them from climbing out – side rail down when working on that side.

Jackets & Belts – patient who is confused & climbing over rails may need a jacket or belt to restrain them to bed. Sleeveless with cross over ties, allows relative freedom in bed.

Arm & Leg – Undesirable, limits patients movement, injury to wrist/ankle from friction rubbing against skin – use extra padding. Restrain in a slightly flexed position, if too tight could impair circulation. Never tie to a bed rail.

Physical Restraints (cont.) Mitts are used for those confused & pulling

at@ edges of dsgs, tubes, iv’s, wounds. Doesn’t limit arm movement, soft boxing glove that pads the hand, remove, wash & exercise. Ensure not too tight

Use quick release tie for all restraints

Chemical Restraints Medication

Patient must be closely observed and assessed frequently post medication.

Remains a high risk for injury.

Supporting Documentation Rationale for the use of restraints, including a

statement describing the behavior of the patient.

Previous unsuccessful measures or the reason alternatives are not feasible.

Decision to restrain with the type of restraint selected and date & time of application.

Observations regarding the placement of the restraint, its condition and the patient’s condition, including the frequency of observation (not just at the end of your shift)

Supporting Documentation (cont.)

Assessment of the need for ongoing application of restraint.

Care of the patient which may include re-positioning, toileting, mobilization and/or skin care

Civil Actions Most civil cases are based on

allegations of negligence.

Important to support your judgment/actions with quality documentation

Promoting Safety Measures designed to promote client safety

are the result of individualized assessment findings. Often it is the conclusion of the nurse that a client’s safety is at risk, and subsequent nursing interventions are implemented. Assessment of a client’s safety should occur in the home, healthcare facility, and community environment.

(Perry and Potter, 2002)

Canadian Nurses Association’s (CNA) online Patient Safety Resource Guide

www.cna-aiic.ca

Nursing 125 LAB

Safety; Basic Body Mechanics; Moving & Positioning

Moving the patient: up in bedMove close to the side of the bed

Back straight, knees bent, one foot forward (broad base of support)

Up in bed (1 nurse)(Patient alert & cooperative)

Encourage independence & foster self-esteem.Patient bends knees, feet firmly on the bed – grasps side rail @ shoulder level. Nurse positions hand & arms under patients hips, back straight, bend knees, feet apart, count to 3. Nurse pulls patient up in bed & pt pulls arms & pushes feet up into bed.

Up in bed (2 nurses)(heavy patient or one who cannot help)

Patient bends knees, feet firmly on bed, 1st nurse at HOB arms under head & shoulders, face foot of bed, 2nd nurse under hips facing foot of bed, on same side – count to 3.

Moving the patient: lifterUp in bed using the pull sheet/lifter (2 nurses)

Do not lift, always slideOne nurse on each side of the bed, firmly grasp the lifter in both hands, ask the patient to lift their head. Slide the patient up in bed on the count of 3.

Benefit: 1. movement b/w 2 layers of cloth has less friction than skin on cloth. 2. Much easier to grasp sheet firmly than it is to hold a patient’s body.3. Lifter supports the entire body (except the head) making it easier to keep the patient straight.

Moving the patient: lateralFrom the back to the side (lateral) position

Move the patient to the side of the bed, so the patient will be in the center when complete.Raise rail, move to other side of bed, roll patient toward you far ankle over near ankle, far knee over near knee. Place one hand on client’s hip and one hand on his/her shoulder and roll pt. onto side toward you. Place pillow under head & neck, bring shoulder blade forward, position both arms in slightly flexed positions (protects joints). Upper arm supported by pillow.Place pillow behind patient’s back & pillow under semi flexed upper legAssess need to support feet (footboard, high top sneakers).

Moving the patient: proneFrom the back to the abdomen (prone)

Move to the extreme edge of the bed, raise rail on that side, move to other side.Pillow for support under abdomen, near arm over head, turn face away, roll as above, check arm & face, continue rolling.

Prone - infrequently used because respirations can be compromised Good position for pressure sores on hips/buttocks.

Important to turn head to the side, no pillow b/c it hyper extends the neck – can use small towel, small folded towel under each shoulder to prevent slumping, flat pillow at abdomen (esp. women with large breasts)Arms at either sides or flexed by head, hand rolls, feet in dorsiflexion – sandbags under ankles.

Tips for positioning the patient After turning – use aids i.e. pillows, towels, washcloths,

blankets, sandbags, footboards etc.

Joints should be slightly flexed b/c prolonged extension creates undue muscle tension & strain

Supine Low or flat pillow (prevents neck flexion) Trochanter role (supports hip joint prevents external rotation) Hand roll – used if hands are paralyzed (thumb & fingers flexed

around it) High top sneakers, foot board, sandbags (support feet with

toes pointing upward. Prolonged plantar flexion leads to foot drop (permanent plantar flexion & inability to dorsiflex)

Tips (cont.) Side lying

Even if paralyzed on one side a patient can be placed on that side. Take care not to pull on the affected extremity.

Head on low pillow, pillow along back – supports back & holds body in position, underlying arm comes forward & flexed onto pillow used for head, top arm flexed forward & resting on pillow in front of body, hand rolls if necessary, flex top leg forward & place on pillow, feet at right angles with sandbag.