Body Mechanics - Patient Transfer - ECSACONM

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Caregiver Body Mechanics

• Use correct body mechanics to protect against injury during patient transfer.
• Coordinate movement with team using clear cues.
• Apply proper body positioning when using draw sheets and pat slides.

Developer instructions

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When transferring a patient from a gurney to an operating table, a perioperative nurse should always prioritize proper body mechanics to protect against musculoskeletal injuries.

Keep feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees (not the waist), engage core muscles, and keep the load close to your body. Avoid twisting—pivot your feet instead. Coordinate with the team to lift or slide in unison, using clear verbal cues such as “Ready, set, slide.” When using a draw sheet, grasp close to the patient’s body for better leverage, and use your legs to push or pull. With a pat slide (transfer board), ensure it is placed securely under the patient before initiating the slide to reduce friction and effort. Always ensure the operating table and gurney are locked and aligned at the same height or slightly downhill towards the receiving surface.

In low-resource environments, equipment such as powered patient lifts may not be available, so efficient teamwork and improvisation are key. Use the maximum available personnel to share the load, and assign clear roles before starting the transfer. If the draw sheet or pat slide is worn or unavailable, a sturdy, clean bedsheet can be substituted—though extra care should be taken to ensure it does not bunch or tear during the move. Maintain open communication throughout the process, watching for signs of strain in team members and adjusting pace as needed. Even without advanced transfer aids, a coordinated, ergonomically sound technique can prevent injuries to staff and ensure a safe, dignified transfer for the patient.

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Self-assessment

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1. Which of the following best describes proper body mechanics during a patient transfer? A. Bend at the waist and keep legs straight.

B. Bend at the knees, keep load close, and avoid twisting.

C. Keep feet together to maintain stability.

D. Hold your breath to stabilize the spine.

Correct Answer: B – Bending at the knees, keeping the load close, and avoiding twisting reduces spinal strain.

• A is incorrect: Bending at the waist increases back injury risk.
• C is incorrect: Narrow stance decreases stability.
• D is incorrect: Holding your breath can increase intra-abdominal pressure without adding stability.

2. What is the primary purpose of a pat slide during patient transfer?

A. Increase friction for better control.

B. Reduce friction to make the slide easier.

C. Act as a rigid support for lifting.

D. Replace the need for multiple team members.

Correct Answer: B – A pat slide reduces friction, allowing the patient to slide smoothly between surfaces.

• A is incorrect: Increased friction makes transfers harder.
• C is incorrect: Pat slides are flexible, not rigid lifting devices.
• D is incorrect: A team is still needed for safe transfer.

3. In a low-resource environment, if a pat slide is unavailable, what is the safest alternative?

A. Use a clean, sturdy bedsheet and coordinate extra staff.

B. Lift the patient without equipment to save time.

C. Have fewer staff to reduce crowding.

D. Use any available sheet without checking its condition.

Correct Answer: A – A sturdy bedsheet can be used if extra staff assist and the sheet is inspected for safety.

• B is incorrect: Lifting without aids increases injury risk.
• C is incorrect: Fewer staff increases individual strain.
• D is incorrect: Damaged sheets risk tearing mid-transfer.

4. Why is locking the wheels of the gurney and operating table important before transfer?

A. To make sliding easier.

B. To keep equipment stationary and prevent injury.

C. To align the patient’s head position.

D. To help maintain privacy.

Correct Answer: B – Locked wheels prevent unexpected movement, reducing risk to staff and patient.

• A is incorrect: Locked wheels prevent sliding of equipment, not patient.
• C is incorrect: Head alignment is handled separately.
• D is incorrect: Privacy is unrelated to wheel locking.