Purposes and Procedures of Moving and lifting patient in Hospital

Moving and lifting patient

       As nurses, you may be required to move and lift patients. An important point you have to bear in mind while moving patients is that you must observe correct body mechanics for your patients as well as for yourself.

       While lifting heavy objects, it is wise to stand with your feet while apart and firmly on the floor. The weight should be lifted close to the body. Flex your knees so that your strong muscles of the legs bear the weight of the object.

            Purposes

            To perform the task efficiently

            To avoid the patient from unnecessary effort

            The prevent nurses from strain and back injuries

            To promote circulation and muscular tone

            Procedures

            Moving upward or downward : Two nurses are required to do this. One nurse places her one hand under the patient's shoulder and the other hand under the lumbar region.

       The other nurse stands on the other side of the bed and does the same as the first nurse. The patient, if he is able, is asked to flex the knee and push against the matters with heels. Both nurses together bring the patient up.

       Moving from one side of bed to another : Move pillows towards the side of the bed. Place your one arm under the shoulders and the other under the lumbar region.

       Move upper part of the body to the side of the bed. Then keep one arm under the lumbar region and the other under the thighs and move the middle part of the body of the side of the bed. Lastly place one arm under the things and the other under the ankles and move the lower part of the body to the side of the bed. See whether the whole body is straight and in good alignment.

            Turning on side : Before turning move the patient a little away from the center. If he is to be turned on the left side, you stand at his left.

       Keep his right arm crossed on the chest and right leg crossed over the left leg. Flex the right knee slightly keep one hand on the patient's right shoulder and the other on his right hip and gently roll him to left lateral position.

            Moving patients from stretcher to bed : Keep the head of the stretcher at right angles to the foot of the bed. Three nurses are needed.

All stand on the same side of the stretcher one nurse places her arms under the patient's head and shoulders, another keeps her arms under the hips, the third has her arms under the things and legs.