Hello everyone! For today’s topic we will talk about the importance of patient’s mobility. Patients particularly the geriatric population encounter challenges on their daily living activities. Unfortunately for some, losing their ability to move independently is a gruesome reality.
Patients developing pressure injury because of inability to reposition themselves are common. People who are bed-bound are high risk of this said injury. Pressure injury develops when chronic pressure in bony prominent surfaces of the body occurs. The skin tissue slowly dies due to decreased blood circulation. It is also known as “Bedsores”.
Moving patients out of bed and back to bed are essentials to avoid pressure ulcers. This maneuver can be used and practiced at home or in any clinical settings. At home, healthcare staff can only implement maneuvers with small weight bearing devices such as gait belt, walker, and crutches https://amzn.to/3TG4DBM. Adapting the single person assist method in a home setting without equipment is necessary at times. In clinical settings, staff can use powerful and heavy duty devices. Machines called Hoyer Lifts. Remember that in any patient’s activity such as dressing and bathing, healthcare assistant must start assisting in the weak side of the patient.
There are two types of assistance techniques. The single person and two person assist. When doing any of these transfer maneuvers – you must keep your body straight. The back must be aligned to the center and no waist or back twisting. As you moved lower, bend you knees. For additional balance, keep your feet apart and wider than your shoulder.
Single Person Assist Techniques
A single person assist techniques are applicable to people who has partial ability to move. Example – patients who had minor surgery, one leg can pivot, and the upper extremities can assist in moving. Healthcare workers must know a basic step-by-step guide to single person assist with patient safety in mind as the priority.
-Prepare the patient by introducing yourself and explaining what you will do.
-Make sure all clutters were removed to safely transfer the patient.
-Position yourself to the weak side of the patient to provide support.
-The strong side of the patient moves first.
-Place the chair or wheelchair on the healthier side of the patient.
Executing a Safe Two Person Assist
For people who are full and complete bed bound, two qualified person assist is a must for safety. Patients who can’t move fifty percent and more requires double strength assistance. The two person assist can safely move these patients with proper maneuver and coordination. Follow all the steps in the single person assist above, and then, continue with the additional steps below.
-Plan the safest and appropriate move for the patient.
-Try to prevent lifting – use slide, pivot, or shift.
-Keep your body near to the center of the subject.
-Use gait belt or available lifting devices.
-Keep proper coordination and collaboration between the two caregivers.
-Designate the transfer director, listener, and actor accordingly.
Knowledge on how to protect yourself and your patient from injury during the move means healthier and productive career. Many nurses have back issues. The longer and more seasoned nurses they are, the worst back problems. Many nurses are the financial supporter of their families. For these nurses, keeping themselves healthy and pain free are important. So next time you move a patient, follow these steps. Keep yourself free from herniated and degenerative discs.
I hope that these tips will help you to render a good quality of care to your patients. Good luck and more power in your nursing skills.
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