Chapter 4

Safety, transfer and positioning

FIRE PREVENTION

Fire prevention electrical failure Code for fire Electrical shock

FALLS, COLLISION.SPILLS

MOBILE X-RAY UNITS C-ARMS OTHER EQUIPMENT DARKROOM CHEMICALS

MRI SAFETY Pg. 773, Bontrager Anything that is

ferromagnetic can be a danger in the MRI room

pacemakers ferromagnetic

aneurysm clips metallic fragment in

eye

cochlear implants makeup oxygen tanks credit cards jewelry

Head Injuries

Appropriate to have head elevated 30 degrees to facilitate drainage.

Do not reduce elevation without permission from appropriate health care team member

BODY MECHANICS

Minimizing injury

Radiographers lift, move and transfer patients daily

Proper body mechanics will prevent injury esp. to lower back

Ergonomics or biomechanics: branch of science which applies the laws of physics regarding the action of forces on our bodies.

BASE OF SUPPORT

CENTER OF GRAVITY

CENTER OF GRAVITY OVER

BASE OF SUPPORT

MUSCLES

Mobility: in limbs• long white tendons• cross two or more joints (biceps)

Stability: in torso• red muscle• provide postural support (latissimus dorsi)

USE MOBILITY MUSCLES FOR LIFTING; STABILITY MUSCLES FORSUPPORT.

More terms to learn

Recumbent supine prone lateral recumbent (rt

or lt) Sims Fowlers Trendelenberg

Knee to chest lithotomy decubitus ulcer

ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION

Drop in BP when standing up More prevalent in bedridden patients Symptoms:

• dizziness• fainting• blurred vision• slurred speech• NEVER SEND A SYMPTOMATIC PATIENT ON

THEIR WAY!!!!!

Hints for effective, safe transfer

Inquire Check chart “transferer” should

establish good (wide) base of support

“Transferer’s” and patient’s center of gravity should be close together

Keep back stationary Do all lifting with legs Be close to area where

patient is being placed pivot On stretcher..use sheet See mummy

technique,pg 121