(i)
Raise the side rail on that side of the bed.
(j)
Move to the other side of the bed.
(k)
Place a pillow under the patient's head and another between his
legs.
(l)
Position the patient's near arm toward you.
(m) Grasp the far side of the patient's body with your hands evenly
distributed from the shoulder to the thigh.
(n) On the count of three, roll the patient to a lateral position, rocking
backward onto your heels.
(o) Place pillows in front of and behind the patient's trunk to support his
alignment in the lateral position.
(p) Provide for the patient's comfort and safety.
1 Position the call bell.
2 Place personal items within reach.
3 Be sure the side rails are up and secure.
(q) Report and record as appropriate.
4-12. MAINTAINING PROPER BODY ALIGNMENT WITH THE PATIENT ON HIS
BACK
a. Patients who must lie on their backs much of the time should be kept as
comfortable as possible to prevent body deformities. The paraplegic and quadriplegic
may not be able to tell you if their position is uncomfortable. You must be especially
attentive in this case to prevent possible problems from malalignment.
b. Pillows can be used to support the patient's head, neck, arms, and hands and
a footboard used to support the feet.
(1)
Proper alignment gives respiratory and digestive organs room to function
normally.
(2) The footboard is slanted to support the feet at right angles to the leg (a
normal angle) and prevent foot drop.
MD0905
4-13