(2)
Certain conditions may make it impossible to turn the patient.
(a) Turning may be impossible if the patient has fractures that require
traction appliances.
(b) Turning may be harmful to patients with spinal injuries.
(c) In these cases, you need to rub the back by lifting the patient
slightly off the bed and massaging with your hand held flat.
(d) It is especially important to prevent skin breakdowns in the person
who lies on his back for long periods of time.
NOTE:
For the initial development of skin breakdown, a patient does not have to lie
on his back for long periods of time, especially if moisture and sheet wrinkles
are present.
(e) You may want to turn a patient only to wash or rub the back or
change the bed.
b. Logrolling (see figure 4-4).
(1)
Description.
(a) Logrolling is a technique used to turn a patient whose body must at
all times be kept in a straight alignment (like a log).
(b) This technique is used for the patient who has a spinal injury.
(c) Logrolling is used for the patient who must be turned in one
movement, without twisting.
(d) Logrolling requires two people, or if the patient is large, three
people.
(2)
Technique.
(a) Wash your hands.
(b) Approach and identify the patient (by checking the identification
band) and explain the procedure (using simple terms and pointing out the benefits).
MD0905
4-11