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Moving a patient in bed I Would Like to Learn About:DescriptionA patient's body may slowly slide when the person is in bed for a long time. The person may ask to be moved up higher for comfort or may need to be moved up so a health care provider can do an exam. Avoiding InjuryYou must move or pull someone up in bed the right way to avoid injuring the patient's shoulders and skin. Using the right method will also help protect your back. It takes at least 2 people to safely move a patient up in bed. Friction from rubbing can scrape or tear the person's skin. Common areas at risk for friction are the shoulders, back, buttocks, elbows, and heels. Never move patients up by grabbing them under their arms and pulling. This can injure their shoulders. Preparing to Move the PatientA slide sheet is the best way to prevent friction. If you do not have one, you can make a draw sheet out of a bed sheet folded in half. Follow these steps to prepare the patient:
Pulling upThe goal is to pull, not lift, the patient toward the head of the bed. The 2 people moving the patient should stand on opposite sides of the bed. To pull the person up both people should:
If using a slide sheet, make sure to remove it when you are done. If the patient can help you, ask the patient to:
ReferencesAmerican Red Cross. Assisting with positioning and transferring. In: American Red Cross. American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Textbook. 4th ed. American National Red Cross; 2018:chap 11. Craig M. Essentials of patient care for the sonographer. In: Hagen-Ansert S, ed. Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography. 8th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2018:chap 2. Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M. Body mechanics and positioning. In: Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M, eds. Clinical Nursing Skills: Basic to Advanced Skills. 9th ed. New York, NY: Pearson; 2017:chap 12. BACK TO TOP Review Date: 10/23/2021 Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2022 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser. Chapter 3. Safe Patient Handling, Positioning, and Transfers Transfers are defined as moving a patient from one flat surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher (Perry et al., 2014). Types of hospital transfers include bed to stretcher, bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to chair, and wheelchair to toilet, and vice versa. Patient Transfer from Bed to StretcherA bed to stretcher transfer requires a minimum of three to four people, depending on the size of the patient and the size and strength of the health care providers. Patients who require this type of transfer are generally immobile or acutely ill and may be unable to assist with the transfer. Checklist 29 shows the steps for moving patients laterally from one surface to another. Checklist 29: Moving a Patient from Bed to Stretcher
Take this Lateral Transfer Sliding Board course for more information on sliding board transfer. Transfer from Bed to WheelchairPatients often need assistance when moving from a bed to a wheelchair. A patient must be cooperative and predictable, able to bear weight on both legs and take small steps. If any of these criteria are not met, a two-person transfer or mechanical lift is recommended. Always complete a patient risk assessment prior to all patient-handling activities. See Checklist 30 for the steps to transfer a patient from the bed to the wheelchair (PHSA, 2010).
Special considerations:
Video 3.6Take this Standing Step Around Transfer course to learn the method for a bed to wheelchair transfer.
When lifting and moving a patient up in bed a lift sheet should be used where is the best place for the lift sheet?The goal is to pull, not lift, the patient toward the head of the bed. The 2 people moving the patient should stand on opposite sides of the bed. To pull the person up both people should: Grab the slide sheet or draw sheet at the patient's upper back and hips on the side of the bed closest to you.
When preparing to move a patient who can assist up in the bed you would first?3. When preparing to move a patient who can assist up in the bed, you would first: Pull the bed covers down to the foot of the bed.
When transferring a client from bed to their bedside chair the nurse on duty should use which muscles to avoid back straining and injury?Tighten your gluteal and abdominal muscles, bend your knees, and keep back straight and neutral. Place one foot in front of the other. The weight will shift from the front foot to the back during the move. Use of proper body mechanics helps prevent injury when handling patients.
When moving a client up in bed with the assistance of another caregiver the nurse should quizlet?1)Adjust the head of the bed to a flat position. 2)Remove all pillows from under the client. 3)Position the UAP on the side opposite the nurse. 4)Place a friction-reducing sheet under the client.
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