Overview

Knowledge of principles of body mechanics and proper body alignment is essential to injury prevention. Improper usage of body mechanics when moving a client could result in injury to client and nurse.
"Safe Patient Handling"—a nurse/caregiver and client ergonomic safety campaign endorsed by the American Nurses' Association—emphasizes the importance of using proper equipment for the nurse and the client when physical movement, transfer, or assistance of the client is necessary.
Proper body mechanics, with prevention of injury, conserves time and energy expenditure and can prevent financial expense resulting from injury.
The occupational group documented as most frequently absent from work with back injury for more than 3 days is nurses.
Some major nursing diagnostic labels related to body mechanics in association with activity and mobility include impaired physical mobility, risk of physical injury, and activity intolerance.
Unlicensed assistive personnel should receive training on how to move or transfer clients correctly and monitor for signs of complications; however, routine monitoring remains the responsibility of the nurse. Some techniques should be delegated only to assistive personnel specifically trained or certified in physical rehabilitation maneuvers.
The chain of infection requires that six links be present:

Performing hand hygiene appropriately is the most important action in preventing the spread of infection.
The aim of all precaution (isolation) procedures (standard precautions as well as expanded precautions—contact precautions, droplet precautions, airborne infection isolation, and protective environment) is to decrease exposure to and the spread of microorganisms and disease; all actions are aimed at breaking the chain of infection by eliminating the links, thus maintaining biologic safety (safety from infection).
Protective devices, particularly gloves, should be worn whenever exposure to body secretions is likely. ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES WHEN EMPTYING DRAINAGE CONTAINERS. Gowns, masks, and goggles should be worn when splashing of secretions is likely.
Biohazardous waste must be properly discarded and disposed of to prevent exposure to other clients, visitors, or agency personnel. Use biohazard labels and proper containers for specified materials for maximum protection.
Some major nursing diagnostic labels related to infection control and biologic safety include risk for infection, impaired tissue integrity, knowledge deficit, and anxiety.
Unlicensed assistive personnel should be trained in safety protocols that prevent exposure to microorganisms, such as application of gowns and gloves, use of precaution (isolation) protocols, and disposal of biohazardous wastes.