Body Mechanics and Exercise
Transferring the Person Using a Mechanical Lift
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- » Moving the Person Up in Bed
- » Positioning the Person in Bed
- » Transferring the Person to a Chair or Wheelchair
- » Moving the Person to a Stretcher
- » Transferring the Person Using a Mechanical Lift
- » Assisting with Range-of-Motion Exercises
- » Helping the Person Walk
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Purpose
- Use mechanical lifts to transfer persons who cannot help themselves or who are too heavy for the staff to transfer. Use the lift for transfers to and from beds, wheelchairs, chairs, stretchers, tubs, shower chairs, toilets, commodes, whirlpools, or vehicles.
- There are different types of mechanical lifts, including manual, battery-operated, and electric lifts. Some lifts are mounted on the ceiling.
- The sling used depends on the person’s size, condition, and other needs. Slings are padded, unpadded, or made of mesh. Follow agency policy and the manufacturer’s instructions for washing slings.
- Before using a lift:
- You must be trained in its use.
- It must work.
- The sling, straps, hooks, and chains must be in good repair.
- The person’s weight must not exceed the lift’s capacity.
- At least two staff members are needed.
Equipment
Roll cursor over items to see labels. For the purposes of clearly depicting the equipment, a barrier is not shown in this photo. When providing care, a barrier should always be placed on the surface before placing the equipment.
Mechanical lift and sling
Wheelchair
Bath blanket
Lap blanket
Footwear
PrintableDelegation
Follow delegation guidelines. Before transferring a person using a mechanical lift, obtain this information from the nurse and care plan:
- The person’s dependency level
- What lift to use
- What sling to use
- If a padded, unpadded, or mesh sling is needed
- What size sling to use
- The number of staff needed to perform the task safely
Preparation
- Observe quality-of-life measures.
- Review the information under Delegation and Safety and Comfort.
- Ask a co-worker to help you.
- Collect the equipment.
- Practice hand hygiene.
- Identify the person. Check the ID bracelet against the assignment sheet. Also call the person by name.
- Provide for privacy.
- Raise the bed for body mechanics. Bed rails are up, if used.
Safety
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Knowing how to use one lift does not mean that you know how to use others.
- If you have questions, ask the nurse. If you have not used a certain lift before, ask for needed training. Ask the nurse to help you until you are comfortable using the lift.
- Mechanical lifts must be in good working order. Tell the nurse when a lift needs repair or is not working properly.
- Some mechanical lifts are battery-powered. Batteries must be well charged. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and agency policy.
Comfort
The person is lifted up and off the bed or chair. Falling is a common fear. To promote mental comfort, always explain the procedure before you begin. Also show the person how the lift works.
Procedure Video
Audio Description: OFFFollow-up Care
- Provide for comfort.
- Place the call light and other needed items within reach.
- Unscreen the person.
- Complete a safety check of the room.
- Practice hand hygiene.
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Reverse the procedure to return the person to bed.
Reporting/Recording
Report and record your observations, including:
- Pulse rate before and after the transfer
- Complaints of dizziness, pain, discomfort, difficulty breathing, weakness, or fatigue
- The amount of help needed to transfer the person
- Who helped you with the procedure
- How the person helped with the transfer
- How you positioned the person
Review Questions
Select the best answer.
1. Which action is appropriate when preparing to transfer a person using a mechanical lift?
Place the person’s chair on the opposite side of the room.- Lower the bed to its lowest position and lock its wheels.
- Position the lift over the head of the bed.
Place a folded bath blanket or cushion in the chair.
INCORRECT. When preparing to transfer a person using a mechanical lift, place the chair at the head of the bed, about 1 foot away from the bed. Place a folded bath blanket or cushion in the chair.
INCORRECT. When preparing to transfer a person using a mechanical lift, place the chair at the head of the bed, about 1 foot away from the bed. Place a folded bath blanket or cushion in the chair.
INCORRECT. When preparing to transfer a person using a mechanical lift, place the chair at the head of the bed, about 1 foot away from the bed. Place a folded bath blanket or cushion in the chair.
CORRECT. When preparing to transfer a person using a mechanical lift, place the chair at the head of the bed, about 1 foot away from the bed. Place a folded bath blanket or cushion in the chair.
Select the best answer.
2. When using a mechanical lift, which safety precaution should you take?
- Make sure that the person’s weight does not exceed the limit for the lift.
- Have the person hold on to the lift’s chains or boom for security.
- Remove the spreader bar to unhook the sling.
- Do not explain how the lift works to avoid frightening the person.
CORRECT. To help use a mechanical lift safely, the person’s weight must not exceed the lift’s capacity.
INCORRECT. To help use a mechanical lift safely, the person’s weight must not exceed the lift’s capacity.
INCORRECT. To help use a mechanical lift safely, the person’s weight must not exceed the lift’s capacity.
INCORRECT. To help use a mechanical lift safely, the person’s weight must not exceed the lift’s capacity.
Select the best answer.
3. How many staff members does it take to transfer a person using a mechanical lift?
INCORRECT. To use a mechanical lift, at least two staff members are needed. Be sure to ask a co-worker to help you.
CORRECT. To use a mechanical lift, at least two staff members are needed. Be sure to ask a co-worker to help you.
INCORRECT. To use a mechanical lift, at least two staff members are needed. Be sure to ask a co-worker to help you.
INCORRECT. To use a mechanical lift, at least two staff members are needed. Be sure to ask a co-worker to help you.
Select the best answer.
4. If you notice that a lift is in need of repair, what should you do?
CORRECT. Mechanical lifts must be in good working order. Tell the nurse when a lift needs repair or is not working properly.
INCORRECT. Mechanical lifts must be in good working order. Tell the nurse when a lift needs repair or is not working properly.
INCORRECT. Mechanical lifts must be in good working order. Tell the nurse when a lift needs repair or is not working properly.
INCORRECT. Mechanical lifts must be in good working order. Tell the nurse when a lift needs repair or is not working properly.
Select the best answer.
5. Which type of sling is not used with a mechanical lift?
INCORRECT. Slings are padded, unpadded, or made of mesh. The sling used depends on the person’s size, condition, and other needs.
INCORRECT. Slings are padded, unpadded, or made of mesh. The sling used depends on the person’s size, condition, and other needs.
INCORRECT. Slings are padded, unpadded, or made of mesh. The sling used depends on the person’s size, condition, and other needs.
CORRECT. Slings are padded, unpadded, or made of mesh. The sling used depends on the person’s size, condition, and other needs.
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