LESSON PLAN ON

BODY MECHANICS

PREPARED BY
JINCY JOHNY
ASSISTANT LECTURER

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Name of the teacher: Jincy Johny Venue: Avittom Residence
Subject: PCA Module Number of students:
Unit: 12 Duration:
Topic: Body Mechanics Time:
Group: PCA Students Date:
Method of Teaching: Lecture cum Discussion
AV Aids: LCD

Central objectives:
At the end of the class the students will acquire in depth knowledge regarding the Use of Body Mechanics and apply this knowledge in
future Patient care practices with a positive attitude.

Specific Objectives:
 Defines body mechanics
 Enlists the reasons, why we maintain body mechanics.
 Enumerate the factors affecting alignment and activity
 Enumerates the Assistive devices to help the Maintaing body Mechanics
 Explains how to move a patient from bed to wheel chair and vice versa
 Explains how to move a patient from bed to Stretcher and vice versa
 Enumerates the guidelines for moving patients

Specific Time Teacher’s AV Evaluation

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Objectives Content learner’s Aids
activity
Introduces 1min INTRODUCTION Lecture LCD
the topic
Patient Care Assistant is a job that needs a lot of bending our backs, flexing cum
our arms and legs and pushing and pulling patients. Because of this, many Patient Discussion
care Assistants are at risk for developing physical strain and back injuries or even
fractures. One way to prevent these from happening is to practice proper body
mechanics.

Defines the 1min DEFINITION

Topic
Body mechanics is a broad term used to denote an effort coordinated by Lecture What are
the muscles, bones and nervous system. It can either be good or bad and can be cum body
directly related to the occurrence of back pains. Discussion mechanics

Enlists the 1min

reasons, why IMPORTANCE OF BODY MECHANICS
we maintain The reason for using proper body mechanics is mainly to avoid:
proper body
mechanics.  Musculoskeletal strain
 Injuries to members of the staff
 Injury to the client
 Fatigue
Explains the PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS
principles of 7min LCD What are all

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body Certain principles underlying body movement can serve as guide for the patient Lecture the
Mechanics
and PCA. Correct body mechanism is necessary for the health promotion and cum principles of
prevention of disability. The principles of body mechanism include discussion body
 The wider base of support, the greater stability mechanism
 Lower center of gravity, the greater stability
 The equilibrium of the object is maintained as long as the line of gravity
passes through the base of support.
 The stronger muscle group, the greater amount of work that can be safely
done by it.
 Facing the direction of movement prevents abnormal twisting of spine.

Enumerate
FACTORS AFFECTING BODY ALIGHNMENT AND ACTIVITY
the 5min Which are
A number of factors affecting the individual body alignment, mobility and all
factors
activities of daily living. This includes
affecting the factors
1. Growth and development
alignment which
As age advances, muscle tone and bone density decreases joint
and influencing
loose flexibility, reaction time slows, and bone mass decreases , particularly in
activity body
women have osteoporosis., causing compression fractures of the vertebrae and
alignment?
hip fractures. Postures become forward leaning and stooped, which shifts centre
of gravity forward Compensate for this shifts, the centre of gravity forward. To
compensate for this shift the knee flex slightly for support and the base of support Lecture

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is widened. cum
2. Nutrition discussion
Both under nutrition and over nutrition can affect the body
alignment and mobility. Purely nourished people may have muscle weakness and
fatigue. Vitamin D deficiency causes bone deformity during growth. Inadequate
calcium intake and vitamin D synthesis and increase risk of osteoporosis. Obesity
can distort movement and stress joints, adversely affecting posture balance and
joint health.
3. Personal values and attitudes
Whether people value regular exercise is often the result of family influences. In
families that Inco-operate regular exercise into their daily routine or spend time
together in activities. Choice of physical activity or type of exercise is also
influenced by values. Choices may be influences geographical location and
culture role expectation. Exercise behavior may be improved by addressing
individuals awareness their physiological response to activity and exercise.
4. External factors
 Excessive high / low temperature
 High humidity
 Availability of recreational facilities
 Unsafe environment
5. Prescribed limitations Lecture

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 Limitations to movement may be medically prescribed for some cum
health problems. to promote healing, devices such as casts braces, splints, and Discussion
traction often used to immobilize the body parts. Clients who are short breath
may advised not to walk upstairs.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES
Enumerates
An assistive device is an object or piece of equipment designed to help
5min
the
a patient with activities of daily living, such as a walker, cane, gait belt, or LCD
What are the
Assistive
mechanical lift
assistive
devices to
Type Definition devices to
help the
Gait belt or transfer belt Used to ensure a good grip on unstable patients. help the
Maintaing
The device provides more stability when maintaining
body
transferring patients. It is a 2-inch-wide (5 mm) our body
Mechanics
belt, with or without handles, that is placed mechanics?
around a patient’s waist and fastened with
Velcro. The gait belt must always be applied on
top of clothing or gown to protect the patient’s
skin. A gait belt can be used with patients in
both one-person or two-person pivot transfer, or
in transfer with a slider board.
Lecture LCD

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 cum
Discussion

Slider board or transfer Placing a slider board (transfer board) under a

board patient

A slider board is used to transfer immobile

patients from one surface to another while the
patient is lying supine. The board allows health
care providers to safely move immobile,
bariatric, or complex patients
Mechanical lift A mechanical lift is a hydraulic lift, usually
attached to a ceiling, used to move patients who
Lecture LCD
cannot bear weight, who are unpredictable or

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 unreliable, or who have a medical condition that cum
does not allow them to stand or assist with discussion
moving.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
 Use assistive devices only if properly trained in their safe use
 Always tell patients what you are about to do and how they should assist
you in the procedure.
 Always perform a patient risk assessment or mobility assessment prior to
using any assistive devices.
 Use proper body mechanics when using assistive devices.
MOVING A PATIENT FROM BED TO WHEEL CHAIR
Describes AND VICE VERSA
10min Lecture LCD
how to

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move a Safety and comfort are key concerns when assisting the patient cum Explain how
patient out of bed. Preliminary assessment of vital signs provides base line data. Assess discussion to move a
from bed to the patient’s ability to bear weight when determining the appropriate method for patient from
wheel chair transfer and appropriate transfer aids. Patients who ae unable to bear partial bed to wheel
weight or full weight or who are uncooperative should be transferred using full chair and
body sling lift with 2 caregivers. vice versa?

Articles Required
 Chair or wheel chair
 Gait Belt
 Stand-assist aid, if available
 Blanket to cover the patient in the chair
 Clean gloves /PPE as required

Preparation
Lecture LCD
Think through the steps before you act and get help if you need it. If
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you are not able to support the patient by yourself, you could injure yourself and cum
the patient. Make sure any loose rugs are out of the way to prevent slipping. You discussion
may want to put non-skid socks or shoes on the patient's feet if the patient needs
to step onto a slippery surface.
The following steps should be followed:
 Explain the steps to the patient.
 Park the wheelchair next to the bed, close to you.
 Put the brakes on and move the footrests out of the way.

 Getting a Patient Ready to Transfer

Before transferring into the wheelchair, the patient must be
sitting. Allow the patient to sit for a few moments, in case the patient feels dizzy
when first sitting up. The following steps should be followed when getting ready
to transfer a patient:
 To get the patient into a seated position, roll the patient onto the same side
as the wheelchair.
 Put one of your arms under the patient's shoulders and one behind the
knees. Bend your knees.
 Swing the patient's feet off the edge of the bed and use the momentum to
help the patient into a sitting position.
 Move the patient to the edge of the bed and lower the bed so the patient's Lecture LCD

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 feet are touching the ground. cum
discussion
 Transfer from bed to wheelchair
If you have a gait belt, place it on the patient to help you get a
grip during the transfer. During the turn, the patient can either hold onto you or
reach for the wheelchair. They should not wrap their arms around your head or
neck. Stand as close as you can to the patient, reach around the chest, and lock
your hands behind the patient or grab the gait belt.
The following steps should be followed:
 Place the patient's outside leg (the one farthest from the wheelchair)
between your knees for support. Bend your knees and keep your back
straight.
 Count to three and slowly stand up. Use your legs to lift.
 At the same time, the patient should place their hands by their sides and
help push off the bed.
 The patient should help support their weight on their good leg during the
transfer.
 Pivot towards the wheelchair, moving your feet so your back is aligned
with your hips.
 Once the patient's legs are touching the seat of the wheelchair, bend your
knees to lower the patient into the seat. At the same time, ask the patient

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 to reach for the wheelchair armrest.

MOVING A PATIENT FROM BED TO STRETCHER

Explains AND VICE VERSA
how to
Significant care must be taken when Lecture
move 10min LCD
moving a patient from bed to a Stretcher or vice versa, to prevent injury to the cum Explain how
patient
patient and care givers. Discussion to move a
from bed to
patient from
stretcher
bed to
and vice
Stretcher
versa.
and vice
versa?

 Weighs <90kg: If patient is partially able or not able to assist at all, use
friction reducing device and / or lateral transfer board.
 Weighs >90 kg: If the patient is partially able or not able to assist al all, a
ceiling lift with supine sling, a mechanical lateral-transfer device or air-
Lecture LCD

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 assisted device, and three caregivers are required cum
 Unconscious patient: If patient is unconscious or weakened, additional discussion
staffs are needed to support the extremities and the head. When returning
the patient to the bed from the stretcher, the same techniques are followed.

 Articles required
 Transport Stretcher
 Friction-reducing sheet/draw sheet
 Lateral-assist device, such as transfer board, roller board, or mechanical
lateral- assist device.
 Bath Blanket
 Regular Blanket
 At least two assistants, depending on the patient’s condition
 Clean gloves and / or other PPE, as needed.

Preparation
 Identify the number of staff required for the transfer (typically 3-4
providers for a bed-to-stretcher transfer)
 Explain what the patient can do to help the procedure (hands crossed over
the chest, chin tucked, etc.) and obtain necessary supplies
Lecture LCD
 Raise/lower the bed to a safe working height, lock the brakes, lower guard

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 rails, and position the patient closest to the side of the bed where the cum
transfer will take place discussion
 Place a sheet on top of the slider board; this is used to transfer the patient
onto the stretcher and decrease friction.
 Roll the patient over to the side opposite to the stretcher and place the
slider board underneath the patient, such that the board is between the
patient and the bed
 Roll the patient back into the supine position, make sure the patient is
centered on the slider board and that the feet are in a straight position
 Bring the stretcher to the side of the bed near the patient and position the
stretcher slightly lower than the bed. Lock the brakes of the stretcher.
 Position the healthcare team such that the patient’s weight is distributed
evenly
o Two on the side of the stretcher, grasping the sheet placed over
the slide board
o One at the head of the bed, grasping the pillow and the sheet.
o One at the far side of the patient, between the chest and the hips
o An additional one can be at the foot of the bed.
 The leader of the healthcare team will initiate the transfer, counting 1, 2, 3
o The provider on the far side of the bed will push the patient.
o The two providers on the side of the stretcher will shift their Lecture LCD

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 weight from front to back, bringing the patient with them by cum
pulling the sheet. discussion
o Meanwhile, the providers at the head and foot of the bed will
ensure that the patient is secured, lifting the head/shoulders and
feet, respectively.
 Continue to slide the patient until the patient is on the stretcher’s center.
 Remove the slide board from underneath the patient by rolling the patient
over to the side opposite the bed. Make sure the patient is comfortable and
covered with sheets.
 Raise the guard rails and adjust the stretcher height.

GUIDELINES FOR MOVING PATIENTS

Here are some guidelines into how to properly move clients and other objects on
Enumerates
the work area using proper body mechanics:
the Lecture
10min Pushing LCD
guidelines cum
1. Stay close to the subject being pushed.
for moving discussion
patients 2. Place one foot in front of the other
3. Place the hands on the subject, flex your elbows and lean to the subject.
4. Place the weight from your flexor to the extensor portions of your leg.
5. Apply pressure with the use of your leg muscles.
Lecture LCD

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 6. To prevent fatigue, provide alternate rest periods. cum
Pulling discussion
1. Stay close to the subject being pulled.
2. Place one foot in front of the other
3. Hold the subject, flex your elbows and lean your body away from the
subject.
4. Shift your weight away from the subject.
5. Avoid any unnecessary movements.
6. To prevent fatigue, provide alternate rest periods.
Lifting and Carrying
1. Be on a squat position facing the subject.
2. Hold the subject and tighten your center of gravity.
3. Use your dominant leg muscles when lifting.
4. Hold the subject at waist height and close to the center of gravity.
5. Keep your back erect.

CONCLUSION
Concludes
The body mechanics definition includes the position of the body
the topic
when moving. The importance of understanding and following proper body Lecture
3min LCD

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 mechanics is to reduce pain and back injury in the workplace or during daily cum
activities. When someone sits at their computer workstation, proper body discussion
positioning and posture can reduce muscle fatigue and strain.
Proper body mechanics During Patient care is essential to reduce the risk of
injury to PCA staff as well as to patients. If a PCA’s does not use the proper
lifting techniques when transferring a disabled patient to a chair, it puts the
patient at risk for a fall and the nurse at risk for muscle injury. Following simple
body mechanic guidelines when walking, sitting, lifting, standing, and
positioning patients helps to protect the overall health of the PCA staff and
patients.

RECAPITUALIZATION
 What are body mechanics?
2min  Enlist the principles of body mechanics?
 Which are all the factors which influencing body alignment?
 List down the assistive devices to help the maintaining our body
mechanics?
 Explain how to move a patient from bed to wheel chair and vice versa?
 Explain how to move a patient from bed to Stretcher and vice versa?

ASSIGNMENT

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  How do body alignment and body balance contribute to proper body
mechanics?

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Kath Jyothi, Text book of nursing foundation for B.Sc Nursing Students,
First Edition, Vision Health Sciences Publication.
 Kozier and Erb “Fundamentals of Nursing” 10th edition , pearson medical
publications Page no:1048-1063
 Potter and perry “Fundamentals of nursing” second South Asia
edition ,Elsevier publications. Page no:1097-1103
 Susan C Dewit “Fundamental concepts and skills for Nursing” 3 rd
edition Elsevier publications. Page no:1134-1145
 https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Nursing/
Clinical_Procedures_for_Safer_Patient_Care_(Doyle_and_McCutcheon)/
03%3A_Safe_Patient_Handling_Positioning_and_Transfers/
3.02%3A_Body_Mechanics

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