NORMAL BODY ALIGNMENT

By Mr. M.Shivanandha

Reddy

Assessment of body alignment

OBJECTIVES:Determining normal physiological changes in body alignment resulting from growth and development for each patient.

Identifying deviations in body alignment caused by incorrect posture.

Identifying trauma, muscle damage, or nerve dysfunction.Obtaining information concerning other factors that contribute to incorrect alignment such as fatigue, malnutrition, and psychological problems

Assessment of body alignment

When assessing the body alignment of an immobilized or unconscious patient, remove pillows and positioning supports from the bed and place the patient in the supine position

Assessment of body alignment

PROPER BODY ALIGNMENT

•While Standing•While Sitting•While Lying In Bed

Standing• To maintain good posture in a standing position •Keep the feet parallel •Distribute weight equally on both feet •Bend the knees slightly •Maintain the hips at an even level.

Hold the abdomen up Keep the shoulders even .

Hold the head erect with the face forward

The arms hang comfortably at the sides

The feet are slightly apart to achieve a base of support, and the toes are pointed forward.

• A) Good standing posture. (• B) Poor standing posture

Sitting• In a good sitting position , the buttocks and upper thighs become the base of support. Both feet rest on the floor• A 2.5- to 5-cm (1- to 2-inch) space is maintained between the edge of the seat and the popliteal space on the posterior surface of the knee. This space ensures that there is no pressure on the popliteal artery or nerve to decrease circulation or impair nerve function.

The patient’s forearms are supported on the armrest, in the lap, or on a table in front of the chair.

Sitting

Lying Down• Good posture in a lying position looks the same as in a standing position, except the person is horizontal

Thank you