Moving a Patient Up in Bed

Moving a Patient Up in Bed

Equipment
■ Nonlatex gloves, if you may be exposed to body fluids.
■ Friction-reducing device, such as a transfer roller sheet or scoot sheet.
■ Pull or lift (draw) sheet; pillows, as needed.

Assessment
■ Assess:
■ Level of consciousness, ability to follow directions, and ability to assist with the move.
■ Any restrictions in movement or position.
■ Level of comfort, physical size, and assistive devices available.
■ Equipment in use, such as IV setups, pumps, or casts.

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess:
■ Patient’s comfort level.
■ Body position and alignment.
■ Skin for pressure areas.

Key Points
■ Be Safe! Use a friction-reducing device to move the patient if the patient can assist with movement. Use a full body sling if the patient cannot assist.
■ Remove the pillow. Have the patient flex her neck, fold her arms across her chest, and place her feet flat on bed.
■ Position a nurse on either side of the patient.
■ Be Smart! Use a wide base of support.
■ Have the patient, on the count of 3, push off with her heels as you shift your weight forward.

Documentation
■ Repositioning is not usually charted every time it is done; often it is recorded on a flowsheet.
■ Document any problems with repositioning the patient or any areas of skin breakdown.
■ You might also document turning as an intervention when charting to a specific problem. For example, for Impaired Skin Integrity, you might chart, “Position changed hourly.

Move a patient up in bed using a trapeze

Move a patient up in bed using a mechanical device

Use a drawsheet to turn the patient to one side of the bed