Two nurses are preparing to reposition a medically fragile, immobile client up in bed using a friction-reducing slide sheet. Arrange the following ergonomic and safety actions in the correct chronological order from first to last.
- 1Elevate the bed to waist height and position the mattress completely flat.
- 2Remove the client's pillow and place it upright against the headboard.
- 3Insert the friction-reducing fabric underneath the client from the shoulders to the hips.
- 4Plant feet shoulder-width apart with the leading foot pointing toward the head of the bed.
- 5Shift body weight from the rear leg to the forward leg while sliding the sheet upward.
Answer
First, the bed is adjusted to waist height and flattened. Next, the pillow is placed against the headboard. Then, the slide sheet is positioned under the client. Afterward, the nurses assume a wide stance facing the direction of movement. Finally, they shift their weight from the back to the front leg to slide the client.
Safe patient handling requires a strict systematic approach. Environmental adjustments (raising and flattening the bed) are the prerequisite first step to ensure gravity and posture are in the nurse's favor. Patient safety is then immediately secured by padding the headboard. Next, the assistive equipment (slide sheet) is positioned to reduce friction. With the environment and equipment ready, the nurse assumes an ergonomic stance. Finally, the physical exertion is executed using a dynamic weight shift rather than a static back pull, ensuring maximum safety for both staff and the client.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper ergonomic sequencing involves optimizing the environment, ensuring patient safety before movement, placing assistive equipment correctly, and utilizing a wide base of support with leg-driven weight shifting.