Objectives:

To evaluate knowledge about the use of nursing body mechanics in critically ill patients at Quito Sur General Hospital in order to identify areas for improvement in care.

Method:

Descriptive, cross-sectional study. The population consisted of 30 registered nurses from the emergency critical care unit at the IESS Quito Sur Hospital with at least six months of work experience. A 12-item Likert scale was used to assess basic body mechanics, general care, and decision-making in everyday situations with critically ill patients.

Results:

Thirty percent of respondents showed partial knowledge of body mechanics in critical patients, while 70% demonstrated adequate knowledge of the basic concept. Ninety percent lacked knowledge about safe intra-hospital transport and associated care. One hundred percent recognised the complications of prolonged stays in the ICU and the importance of monitoring during position changes.