SPECIFIC:
- During any patient task, under the best of circumstances (no lines, tubes, contractures, etc.), a caregiver may lift no more than 35 pounds of a patient’s weight (body, head, appendages). If tubes, lines and other patient items or conditions influencing patient handling are present, or staff must bend, twist or reach, the permissible lifting weight is decreased. If weight limit is exceeded, assistive devices must be used if possible.
- To determine safety of lifting an appendage, use the following. A man’s leg is approximately 16% of the total body weight. The head is approximately 8%, and an arm is approximately 5%.
- Working height should be appropriate for staff safety, at about elbow height.
- Prior to starting task, CONFIRM patient handling equipment, slings, and destination locations (bed, commode, wheelchair, etc.) meet WEIGHT, WIDTH, AND HEIGHT requirements of patient.
- Bariatric patients require more caregivers. Identify a leader when performing tasks with multiple caregivers in order to synchronize efforts and increase safety.
- A friction reducing device will facilitate insertion and removal of a sling under a bariatric patient.
- A multidisciplinary team should problem solve these tasks, communicate to all caregivers, refine as needed and perform consistently.
- For patient handling purposes, any patient that weighs more than 300 pounds, or 100 pounds over ideal weight, or who has a BMI or over 40 is considered a patient that increases the risk for caregivers while performing patient handling. Waist circumference is also used to identify bariatric patients. Weight, height, waist diameter, waist circumference should be collected on these patients in order to provide safe care and select appropriate equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, lifts, and other devices.
GENERAL
- NEVER lift a patient manually except under emergency situations such as during an active patient code.
- NEVER catch a falling patient! A caregiver probably cannot stop a patient from falling. Quickly remove obstacles out of the way that may injure the patient’s head.·
- Do not allow patient to lean or pull/grab on caregiver for support in movements.
- Allow and encourage patients to move on their own as much as it is safe to do so.
- Ask patient what steps can be taken to facilitate ease and comfort in their movement and mobility as they typically understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- Avoid shearing forces especially for patients with delicate skin or pressure ulcers.