This document provides guidance on proper body mechanics for nursing assistants. It outlines basic rules like keeping heavy objects close to the body, avoiding sudden movements, and using large muscle groups rather than the back. Specific techniques are described for safely lifting, moving, positioning, and transferring residents while preventing injuries to both residents and nursing assistants. Body mechanics are important for legal compliance and quality care as they protect skin integrity and reduce back strain.

1. Nursing Assistant-
Body Mechanics
Module 5

2. Purpose of body mechanics
 To use the body in an efficient & safe
way
– Practice body mechanics at all times
– EVERYONE should use – even residents &
families
– Protects employee & resident

3. Basic rules of body mechanics
 Assess the “job” to be done
 Use wide base of support – feet 12”
apart or at shoulder width
 Use strong, large muscle groups, not
back & arms
 Use correct posture & body alignment –
back straight, knees bent
 Keep heavy objects close to the body

4. Rules (cont)
 Never twist, turn, or pivot feet – face work
 Push, slide, or pull heavy objects instead of
lifting
 Avoid sudden jerky motions
 Use both hands when lifting
 Team work – one leader who directs the
group
 Explain procedure to resident

5. Issues of concern
 Legal
– Must protect/safeguard resident
– Skin abrasions mean citation from state
– Abrasion is REPORTABLE!
 Total quality improvement
– Back issues!
– Resident safety!

6. Comfort measures for lifting &
moving residents
 Inform resident of what you are doing & why
 Provide privacy
 Raise bed to proper position
 Position resident in good body alignment
 Use pillows/foam pads to support & cushion
resident & protect bony prominences
 Protect ALL tubing
 Do not slide or drag – friction, SKIN
SHEARING, abrasions, tears

7. Safety measures for lifting &
moving residents
 Assess the task
– Size up the load
– Obtain help if needed
 Reposition resident in bed with good body
mechanics
– Move resident up in bed
• Use lift sheet if appropriate
• Two people needed to move resident, should stand at
HOB
• Remove pillow, pad HOB with pillow
 Lock bed wheels & w/c wheels before moving
 Make sure res has non-skid footwear

8. Safety measures for lifting &
moving residents (cont)
 Turn resident on side
– Demo move toward NA
– Demo move away from NA
– Log roll – move as one position like a log, uses 2
CNAs
 Reasons for repositioning
– Comfort
– Prevents skin breakdown
– Stimulates body systems
– Encourages resident to do ADLs

9. Positioning
 Technique
– Do every 2 hours
– Use lift-sheet Y move resident to opposite
side of the bed you wish to turn resident to
(for side-lying)
– Turn & position

10. Basic positions
 Supine – back
 Prone – abdomen
 Lateral – side-lying
 Sim’s
 Fowler’s – HOB > 45
 Semi-Fowler’s – HOB elevated to 45
 Trendelenberg
 Reverse Trendelenberg

11. Supportive Devices
 Provide comfort & support limbs
 Pillows
 Foam wedges
 Trochanter rolls

12. Transfers
 Bed to chair
– Place chair on strong side
 Chair to bed
 Bed to gurney

13. Assistive Equipment used to
transfer
 Mechanical (Hoyer) lift
 Trapeze – use arms
 Slide board – requires 2 workers to turn
sheet to slide resident over
 Gait belt (transfer belt)
– Apply to waist, over clothing
– Check for belt tightness (2 fingers)
– Watch for proper placement

14. Ambulation Procedure
 Dangle before ambulation
 Ambulate with assistive devices
– Walker – advance walker, move weak
leg,then strong leg
– Cane – hold on strong side, move cane,
then weak leg, then strong leg
– Gait belt – stand slightly behind resident on
the weaker side, grasping belt in midback

15. Prevention of injury if falls occur
 Protection of resident
– Guide resident to the floor
– Protect resident’s head
– Keep firm grip on the gait belt
 Protection of self
– Keep back straight
– Slide resident to floor using upper leg for
support