CHT CHT Body Mechanics, Ergonomics & Physical Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which action BEST prevents repetitive strain injury for healthcare transporters?
- Completing all assigned transports without rest breaks
- Rotating tasks, stretching regularly, and reporting early discomfort to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Wearing a back brace during all transports
- Avoiding heavy transports by reassigning them to others
Correct answer: Rotating tasks, stretching regularly, and reporting early discomfort to a supervisor
Task rotation, stretching, and early reporting of discomfort address the root causes of repetitive strain and prevent escalation to chronic injury.
Question 2: When navigating a patient through an elevator, the transporter should position the gurney so that:
- The patient's head enters the elevator first
- The patient's feet enter the elevator first, allowing the transporter to face the patient during the ride (Correct answer)
- The gurney is pushed in sideways to save space
- The transporter enters alone first, then pulls the gurney in
Correct answer: The patient's feet enter the elevator first, allowing the transporter to face the patient during the ride
Loading feet-first allows the transporter to maintain visual contact with the patient and monitor for any changes in condition during the elevator ride.
Question 3: What is the purpose of gait belts in patient transport?
- To restrain a patient who is combative
- To provide a secure grip point when assisting ambulatory patients to prevent falls (Correct answer)
- To support a patient's IV line during ambulation
- To replace wheelchair footrests during short transports
Correct answer: To provide a secure grip point when assisting ambulatory patients to prevent falls
Gait belts give the transporter a firm, stable grip around the patient's torso to prevent falls during assisted walking.
Question 4: An ergonomic principle for transporters is to avoid:
- Bending at the knees when picking up objects from the floor
- Keeping loads close to the body
- Twisting the spine while carrying or pushing a load (Correct answer)
- Asking for help with heavy equipment
Correct answer: Twisting the spine while carrying or pushing a load
Twisting the spine under load dramatically increases the risk of disc injury; the entire body should rotate together when changing direction.
Question 5: When transporting a patient up a ramp in a wheelchair, the correct technique is to:
- Tilt the wheelchair back and pull backward up the ramp
- Push forward up the ramp using slow, steady force while keeping the patient upright (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to use their feet to help propel the chair
- Lock the wheels and slide the chair up the incline
Correct answer: Push forward up the ramp using slow, steady force while keeping the patient upright
Pushing forward up a ramp with controlled force keeps the patient stable and reduces the risk of the chair tipping backward.
Question 6: Which footwear characteristic is MOST important for healthcare transporters to prevent workplace injuries?
- Bright colors for visibility in hallways
- Slip-resistant soles with adequate ankle support (Correct answer)
- Open-toed design for comfort during long shifts
- Elevated heels for improved posture
Correct answer: Slip-resistant soles with adequate ankle support
Slip-resistant soles with ankle support reduce the risk of slips, trips, and ankle sprains on wet or uneven hospital floors.
CHT CHT Body Mechanics, Ergonomics & Physical Safety 2
Which action BEST prevents repetitive strain injury for healthcare transporters?