Safe Patient Movement

& Handling Techniques

Chapter 13

College of DuPageDMIR
1100
Chapter 13 Objectives
Describe proper patient identification.
Discuss HIPAA and how it effects our patient interactions.
Discuss the importance of verifying patient orders.
Discuss the use and importance of proper body mechanics.

Key Terms:
Base of support Biomechanics/body Center of gravity WRMSD
mechanics

Ergonomics Mobility Muscles Stability Muscles Orthostatic

hypotension
PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Double Identify
How?
Outpatient/Inpatient/ED
Trauma/Code Blue/Rapid Response
HIPAA
VERIFY ORDERS
Check exam requisition against MD’s order
Can only perform exam ordered
Department protocols for each exam

What if patient disagrees with the order?

The patient can refuse an exam at anytime

Right Patient – Right Exam – Right Side – Right Part

Safe Handling and Moving Patients
Physical Job/Career
Walking
Bending
Pulling/Pushing
Avoid Injury
Know your limits
Use safe techniques
Body Mechanics
Base of support (BOS)
The area the body rests on.
If standing the feet and the space between the feet
Keep it wide when transferring patients
Center of gravity (COG)
Hypothetical point – approximately S2
Gravitational forces come from this point
Keep COG over BOS for greatest stability
Keep your back neutral
Hold heavy objects closer to the body
Don’t lock your knees
Principles of Lifting
Long career = working
smart
and safely
Use Proper Body Mechanics

What does that mean?

USE ASSISTIVE
DEVICES
 Principles of Lifting
The radiographer is responsible for the
safety and wellbeing of the patient

Check the patient’s information to determine if they are a fall risk

Question the patient
Let the patient do as much of the lifting as possible
Talk to the patient during the transfer

Orthostatic hypotension
What is it?
How can you minimize risk:
Principles of Lifting
Performed frequently!
Stretcher
Wheelchair
Hospital bed

Question your patient

Let patient do as much of the lifting as
possible
Use proper body mechanics Video - Slide Board
Use assistive devices & lift equipment Transfers
Principles of Lifting
Do not damage or impair medical
equipment or lines during
transfers.

What are some items that may be

in the way or require special
care?
Positioning
How do you need your patient to be placed?
Many positions
Supine
Prone
Lateral
Sims
Fowlers
Trendelenburg
 CHAPTER 13 REVIEW
How can you provide optimal patient care?
What are the correct ways to double identify a patient?
Describe proper body mechanics when transferring a
patient.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
What is your base of support?
What and where is the center of gravity on a human?