Review Questions

Review Questions

1. What do the following terms mean: “body mechanics,” “ergonomics,” and “repetitive motion injuries”?

Body mechanics involves correctly positioning the body for a given task, such as heavy lifting or typing. Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things in the working and living environments for maximum efficiency and maximum health and safety. Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) include many different injuries, all based on the overuse of one part of the body.

2. What are the three most common RMIs, and why do they occur?

The three most common RMIs:

* Carpal tunnel syndrome: repeated hand motions cause inflammation and swelling
* Thoracic outlet syndrome: repeated motions cause bone or disks to compress nerves in neck
* Tendonitis: repeated motion in a joint inflames tendons

3. How can health care workers protect themselves from injury when sitting, walking, standing, and lifting?

Refer to Boxes 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3, as well as Figures 9-2, 9-3, and 9-4, to understand how workers can protect themselves from injury when sitting, walking, standing, and lifting

4.What are the characteristics of correct posture?

Correct posture includes maintenance of the three normal curves of the back, and standing or sitting up straight rather than hunching over the desk or slouching.

5. What guidelines should be followed to prevent injury when working at a computer?

Refer to Box 9-4. Examples include positioning the screen at arm’s length and just below eye level, directly in front of the body.

6. Why is it important to do stretching exercises when spending extended time working at the computer? Describe exercises that stretch the neck, hands, arms, and upper back.

Stretching reduces strain on muscles and decreases the risk of RMIs. Refer to Table 9-2 for various stretching exercises.

7. How can you decrease the risk of RMIs when using a mouse as a pointing device?

The chance of acquiring an RMI when extensively using a mouse at the computer can be reduced by:

* Keeping the mouse within easy reach
* Switching hands for using the mouse throughout the day
* Using the keyboard to give common commands

8. What is the cause of eyestrain when reading from a computer screen? What can you do to prevent this from occurring?

Eyestrain from reading computer screen language results because the letters, numbers, and symbols shown have different characteristics of type than printed language. Computer screen language has images of less consistent, precise density. Refer to Box 9-5 for several good ways to reduce and/or prevent computer-caused eyestrain.