To ensure appropriate use of Neutral Spine Precautions for patient mobility.

 
Description

To ensure appropriate use of Neutral Spine Precautions for patient mobility.
Behavioral Criteria

It is expected that all staff will gather all necessary equipment, perform effective hand hygiene, don appropriate personal protective equipment, identify patients using two appropriate patient identifiers, and explain procedures to patients and family members, as appropriate, before beginning any skill or procedure.

Nurse has reviewed appropriate reference procedure/protocol for this skill/equipment and verbalizes understanding.

Identifies components of Neutral Spine Principles (NSP); including keeping shoulders, hips and knees in line during all activities and positioning

    No bending over/stooping, no bending sideways or backwards
    No reaching arms behind / across body;
    No arching or bridging back
    No twisting / turning shoulders to reach or look behind body
    No raising knees higher than hips when sitting / standing
    Keep legs in symmetrical position when resting or still.
    Limit sitting time to no more than 30 minutes or per provider order
    No lifting anything heavier than your walker or approximately 3 pounds, or per provider order
    No walking without your walker until cleared by provider

Ensure patient demonstrates adherence to Neutral Spine Principles in all daily activities.
Notifies RN of any abnormalities
Documents Patient's tolerance and distance ambulated in the electronic health record.

Evidence of Achievement

    Direct observation of competency in all areas through patient care or simulation / case study; documentation in electronic health record accurate and complete

References

    White, C. C. IV, et al. (2014). EMS spinal  precautions and the use of the long backboard: Resource document to the position statement of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Prehospital Emergency Care, 18, 306–314. Accessed April 2020 via the Web at https://tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/10903127.2014.884197?needAccess=true (Level VII)
    The Royal Melbourne Hospital. (2015). “TRM08.04 management of the patient with spinal precautions” [Online]. Accessed April 2020 via the Web at https://www.thermh.org.au/sites/default/files/media/documents/clinical/TRM0804_0.pdf (Level VII)