Fundamentals of Nursing
The nurse is preparing to transfer a 55-year-old patient to the CT-scan unit.
The patient is too heavy for the nurse to transport, so the nurse went to get an assistive device to transfer the patient. Which of the following transfer devices is the most appropriate for the nurse to use?
الشرح
Core Concept: Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) protocols mandate the use of mechanical assistive devices for transferring bariatric, heavy, or fully dependent patients. This prevents severe musculoskeletal injuries to healthcare workers and ensures patient safety by preventing falls and skin shearing.
Clinical Presentation:
- Limited mobility, high fall risk, bariatric status.
- Potential for skin breakdown or shear injuries during manual lifting attempts.
Diagnosis:
- First-line tool: Mobility and fall risk assessment (e.g., Morse Fall Scale) and patient handling algorithm.
- Gold standard: Ergonomic risk assessment and mobility plan developed by Physical or Occupational Therapy.
Management:
- Acute management: Utilize a mechanical lift (e.g., Hoyer lift, ceiling hoist) or lateral transfer device (air-assisted transfer mat) to safely move the heavy patient from the bed to the stretcher.
- Definitive management: Implement early mobilization protocols and physical therapy to improve the patient's baseline strength and independence over time.