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 FOR
SUPPORT.
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