a little help..

Rizpah · Jun 29, 2007

hello to all..
Second: any videos or tips on body mechanics. How to properly transfer a patient.
your help is greatly appreciated

Keep your feet at least shoulder width apart to have a good base for balance. Always bend at the hips and knees. Never use the muscles in the small of your back - once you injure them, they remain highly susceptible to future injuries. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height. Move the patient closer to the side of the bed on which you will be working from to prevent overreaching. Have the patient help as much as they are able. Use assistive devices whenever possible and appropriate. Do not attempt to do the work of 2 people by yourself (assist of 2 transfer alone). Use a gait belt - they really do help. Do not allow the patient to grasp you behind your neck during the transfer.

Sorry - no tips for IVs - rarely do them in LTC so am reeeaaaly rusty at them!

Good luck!:monkeydance:

Christie RN2006 · Jun 29, 2007

hello to all..
I would like to know how to monitor an Iv. (basically everything that is associated with an Iv except for the insertion)
At my school we were thought IV in one brief session and I did not receive the chance to work with any IV's during my stage.
I was wondering if any of you have any links/link videos that choose how to assess and monitor the IV.

Sorry, I don't have any links or videos on how to monitor an IV, but it is very simple. You just assess the area for redness, edema, check to make sure it isn't leaking, etc. You can ask the patient if they are having any pain around the IV site and you can also flush and draw back to make sure it is patent. You will learn what to look for by experience... a bad IV is pretty easy to spot because their arm will swell, it will leak, or they will complain of pain, etc. I hope this helps!!

Ann RN · Jun 29, 2007

hello to all..
I would like to know how to monitor an Iv. (basically everything that is associated with an Iv except for the insertion)
At my school we were thought IV in one brief session and I did not receive the chance to work with any IV's during my stage.
I was wondering if any of you have any links/link videos that choose how to assess and monitor the IV.
Second: any videos or tips on body mechanics. How to properly transfer a patient.
your help is greatly appreciated

First, let me say that these two issues should be covered in your initial hospital orientation. I cannot believe they were not better covered when you were in school.

Anyway -

Observe IV insertion site at least once/hour.

Look for signs of infection - reddness, swelling and drainage.

Look for signs of phlebitis - edema, red streak along vessel, warm to touch, pain.

Look for signs of infiltration - swelling, leakage at site, no blood return, pain.

If any of the above signs are present - D/C IV catheter, elevate extremity, apply warm soaks. Follow your hospital's policy on infiiltrated IV's. Reinsert IV in a different site, preferably in the opposite extremity.

As for body mechanics -

Find your center of gravity and maintain it.

Do not bend over from the waist; bend from the knees (squat).

Hold a heavy object close to you - not at arm's length.

Never lift a patient by yourself, no matter how small the pt.

Never be afraid to ask for help.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your career!

Mommyto3NursetoBe · Jun 29, 2007

hi! here is a link to some videos on nursing skills! we are required to have the complete set for my school, but i recently found them online, hope this helps you out!!

click here: taylor's video guide to clinical nursing skills

:)