University of Santo Tomas

COLLEGE OF NURSING
Espaa Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila

NCM 104 Skills Laboratory

Ambulation and Transfer

Body mechanics relates to the coordinated effort of the musculoskeletal and nervous
systems to maintain balance, posture, and body alignment during lifting, bending,
moving, and performing activities of daily living.

Transferring refers to the nursing skill which helps weak and dependent patients, or
patients with restricted and limited mobility attain positions to regain optimal
independence as quickly as possible.

Some principles concerning safe patient transfer and positioning:

Mechanical lifts and lift teams play a pivotal role when patients are unable to
assist. However, when patients are able to assist, remember the following principles:
The wider the base of support, the greater the stability of the nurse
The lower the center of gravity, the greater the stability of the nurse
The equilibrium of an object is maintained as long as the line of the gravity
passes through its base of support
Facing the direction of movement prevents abnormal twisting of the spine.
Dividing balanced activity between arms and legs reduces the risk for back injury
Leverage, rolling, turning, or pivoting requires less work than lifting
When friction is reduced between the object to be moved and the surface on
which its moved, less force is required to move it.

Nursing considerations:
Know how physiological influences on body alignment and mobility affect patients
throughout the life span.
Know the pathological conditions that affect a patients body alignment and
mobility.
Know the history of underlying conditions such as chronic diseases.
Control factors that indirectly affect body mechanics by altering the safety of the
environment.
Know the patients fluid balance status.
Know the patients range of motion exercises.
Determine the patients level of sensory perception.

Reference:
Perry, A. & Potter, P. (2009). Clinical Nursing Skills and Techniques (7th Edition).
Mosby.