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772 Introduction to Safe Patient Handling
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Stages of MSDs

The symptoms experienced when acquiring MSDs typically occur in three stages:

  1. Early stage: pain may disappear after a rest away from work.
Preventing Back Injury In Caregivers
  1. Intermediate stage: body part aches and feels weak soon after starting work and lasts until well after finishing work.
  2. Advanced stage: body part aches and feels weak, even at rest. Sleep may be affected and light tasks are difficult on days off.

You should NOT ignore signs and symptoms of MSDs. Employees should report any pain to their manager or supervisor and seek treatment immediately to prevent further pain.

The video on this page demonstrates patient handling tasks that put the nurse at risk of developing MSDs. The video discusses anatomy and risks to the lower back, the shoulder, the wrist, and the knee.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-5. Pain that disappears after a day of rest from work occurs during which stage of acquiring MSDs?