Procedure of Logrolling a Patient

Procedure of Logrolling a Patient

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 of the patient.
■ Assistive devices available.
■ Presence of equipment such as IV setups, pumps, or casts.

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess the patient’s comfort level, body position and alignment, and skin for pressure areas.

Key Points
■ Move the patient as a unit to the opposite side of the bed; raise the siderail on that side.
■ Be Smart! Move to the side of the bed that the patient will be turning toward; lower the siderail.
■ Be Safe! Each staff member evenly distributes his arms across the patient’s length. One nurse is responsible for moving the head and neck as a unit.
■ Shift your weight backward as you roll the patient toward you.

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

Logrolling a patient using a transfer roller sheet

Logrolling a patient using proper body mechanics