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Discussion

Please help a new student with a question

Hello,

I am a new CNA student and I am looking for help with a question if someone would please help me.

Setup for the question:

I am in a CNA class and we are told two things:

1. Don't lean over a patient too much

2. Use proper body mechanics

So, I came up with what I think is a good idea. Wearing my stethoscope when doing a procedure over a patient in bed until I train myself in proper body mechanics and not leaning over a patient too much. My rationale is the stethoscope can dangle down moderately, but if it dangles excessively, then I am using wrong body mechanics and/or leaning over the patient too much. If I am leaning over the patient too much or using poor body mechanics, I had the idea to do the first half of the lateral position technique ( to pull the patient to the side of the bed nearest you) which should put the patient easily in reach so I don't have to use poor body mechanics or lean over the patient too much.

My question is:

After I have the patient on the side of the bed nearest me, when I am done with the procedure, how do I get the patient back to the center of the bed while:

1. Using proper body mechanics

2. Not leaning over the patient too much

3. Moving a patient in a way that is proper and gentle (ie: right place to put my

hands, how to position their body for the move to make it easy on my back, etc.)

4. Keeping in mind that I may be dealing with the elderly whose skin tears easily

( so need to have hands right and not alot of friction between patient and the sheets)

Thank you very much for your help, I really appreciate it!!!

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    • Featured Replies

    Put the side rail up on the side you are working on (the side you pulled the resident to). Then go to the opposite side, and move the resident back to the middle of the bed in 3's (ex: upper body, then middle, then legs). Then go over to the original side and put the side rail down. Follow the care plan's instructions on whether side rails are allowed to be up or down at the end of the procedure. To use proper body mechanics, raise the bed accordingly so you aren't "leaning" over too far, stand with your feet shoulder length apart, bend knees, and let the resident help as much as possible (say, "on the count of 3, we are going to turn to your right/move up, etc." Just take your time and think everything through before you do stuff. You'll be fine. Good luck in your career :)

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    • Author

    Thank you very much for your help, I really appreciate it.

  • Quote

    If there is a draw sheet/pad underneath the pt/resident, just pull on that. Make sure the bed is high enough, about waist level. Use another CNA on the opposite side of the bed if the pt/resident is on the heavier side, or if you're having trouble.

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    • Author

    Hello,

    Thanks again for your comments and help. I really appreciate it!!

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