Procedure in Turning Client to Side-Lying Position

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR RATIONALE

1. Lower the head of the bed completely
or to a position that as low as the
patient can tolerate.
2. Position yourself opposite the patient’s
abdomen on the side of the bed toward
which the patient will turn.
Taking the position opposite the patient’s
abdomen prevent spinal torsion of the
nurse when moving the patient and center
the nurses weight opposite the patient’s
central weight.

3. Assume a broad stance with one foot A broad stance enhances balance.
ahead of the other.
4. Abduct the patient’s arm nearest the Pulling the patient’s arm away from the
nurse. body prevents the patient from rolling onto
his arm.
5. Flex the patient’s arm over the chest;
place the far leg over the near leg.
6. “Put on the internal girdle” and flex. Tensing the abdominal and pelvic muscles
prepare them for use and prevent injury.
Flexing the knees lowers the center of
gravity (increasing stability) and ensures
use of the large muscle groups in the legs
during movement.
7. Place one hand on patient’s hip and
one hand on the patient’s shoulder.
8. Roll the patient toward you by:
• Rocking backward and shifting Rocking backward makes use of nurse’s
the weight to rear foot. body weight in the direction of the
movement.
• Increasing knee flexion and Increased knee flexion lowers the nurse’s
lowering the pelvis. center of gravity enhancing stability.
9. Position pillow to maintain alignment