CHAPTER 1 when increased stability

of the body is necessary.

Body Mechanics- coordinated use of 3. Use the longest and
body parts to produce motion & strongest muscles of the
maintain equilibrium in relation to arms and legs to help
skeletal, muscular and visceral provide the power
system under neurological needed for strenuous
association. activities.
4. Use the internal girdle to
PURPOSES: stabilize and protect the
1. To maintain good body abdominal viscera when
posture. stopping, reaching,
2. To help promote good lifting, and pulling.
physiological functions 5. Push and pull, slide or
of the body. roll an object to the
3. To use the body correctly surface rather than lift it.
and to maintain its 6. Use the weights of the
effectiveness. body as a force for
4. To prevent injury or for pulling or pushing by
limitation of the rocking on the feet or
musculoskeletal system. falling forward or
backward.
PERSONAL BODY MECHANICS OF A
NURSE
CRITERIA FOR GOOD
Good posture is the skillful use of the POSTURE:
body to assure greater efficiency to
lessen fatigue and protect or prevent A. Standing
back strain. 1. Body erect, with body
segment balance
CRITERIA FOR GOOD POSTURE: 2. Feet, 3-4 inches apart
1. STANDING wide base of support
2. SITTING 3. Knees held easy,
3. POSTURE IN ACTIVITY neither flexed nor
rigidly extended.
PROPER ALIGNMENTS WHEN: 4. Abdominal muscles
1. Standing retracted (pulled in),
2. sitting in a Chair, Wheelchair or and gluteal muscles
Rehabilitation Chair contracted (pinched
3. Lying together) constituted
the “inner girdle” for
GENERAL CONDITIONS: the pelvis, back, and
1. prevent unnecessary abdomen.
straining of muscles. 5. Chest forward, back
2. feet apart to provide a of head held high,
wide base of support chin up.
 6. Shoulders in even 4. the spine curves forming
position. a reversed “S”.
5. abdomen is tucked in and
knees and ankles are
B. Sitting slightly flexed.
1. Trunk and head same 6. arms hang comfortably
in standing position. 7. feet apart to form a wide
2. Hips flexed at right base of support
angle to trunk and 8. The center of gravity is
place along back of midline from the middle
chair with thighs rest of the forehead to a
on seat of chair. midpoint between the
3. Feet flat on the floor. feet.

Proper Alignment when sitting

C. Posture in Activity in a Chair, Wheelchair OR
1. Prepare for load Rehabilitation Chair:
before beginning to 1. head is erect, neck and
lift by tightening the vertebral column are
girdle and use heavy straight.
thigh and hip muscles 2. body weight is evenly
for the task. distributed.
2. To lift heavy objects, 3. feet are supported on the
place feet close to the floor or a footstool.
object. feet forward to 4. 2 to 4 cm. space between
give good base, flex the edge of the chair and
knees and hips keep the popliteal space of the
back straight. knee.
3. Carry objects close to 5. forearms are supported
body. on the armrests, on the
4. Have equipment at lap, or on a table in front
good height for of the chair.
working. 6. Avoid using pillows at
5. Avoid torsion (twisting the back since they might
or bending sideways interfere with proper
from waist to hips) for alignment.
any activity.
Proper Alignment when Lying:
Proper Alignment when 1. vertebrae in straight
Standing: alignment without
1. The head is erect and curves.
midline. 2. joints are slightly flexed
2. shoulders and hips are and supported.
straight and parallel. 3. support at the feet to
3. vertebral column is prevent plantar flexion
straight. or “foot drop”
 4. the top leg should be client from strain and muscle
flexed and slightly forward injury.
for balance. 0. Avoid causing friction on the
client’s skin during moving.
Nursing Guidelines when 0. reduce Friction by
Moving and Positioning sprinkling powder or corn
Patients: starch on bed linens and on the
1. Know the client’s client’s skin.
diagnosis, capabilities 0. Avoid lifting if he can be
2. Explain the procedure. rolled; move him towards you
Then, encourage the and avoid reaching across the
client/patient to assist in bed to do treatment.
moving. 0. Avoid lifting heavy objects
3. If the client is in pain, alone.
administer the prescribed 0. Practice good body
analgesic to allow the mechanics when performing
client to participate to minimize exertion and
comfortably. strain.
4. Position the bed at a
height that reduces back
pain, and is comfortable
and safe for you.
5. Move the patient closer to
one side of the bed.
6. Assess the amount of
assistance necessary to
safely move the patient.
7.  Use aids in moving
patients such as:
● Pull sheets or turn
sheets.
● Overhead trapeze
● Slings

0. Lock the wheels of the

bed, wheelchair, or stretcher so
that they do not slide about
while you are moving the
client.
0. Observe the principles
of the body mechanics while
you work to prevent injuring
yourself.
0. Be sure the client is in
good alignment to protect the