Chapter 13 Assisting with Mobility 399 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Rationale Turning helps to prevent skin breakdown, promote comfort, and prepare patients for actions such as transfer. Preparation 1. Assemble the following equipment, as needed: • pillows of various sizes, if available and needed for support • turning sheet 2. Wash your hands to ensure infection control. 3. Explain in simple terms what you are going to do before turning in bed. Do this even if the patient is unable to communicate or is disoriented. The Procedure 4. Provide privacy by drawing the bed curtains or putting a screen around the bed. 5. Use proper body mechanics when turning the patient in bed. Raise or lower the bed to a comfortable level for working and lower the bed rails. Lock the wheels of the bed, if needed. 6. To turn a patient, adjust the bed to waist height. The head of the bed should be fl at. Follow the doctor’s order for turning, if specifi ed. 7. Move any tubes, IVs, or medical devices carefully out of the way before turning the patient. 8. Stand at the side of the bed, lower the bed rail, and face the patient. Put a pillow between the patient’s knees (Figure 13.37). 9. If possible, ask the patient to grab the opposite bed rail with her hand on the opposite side (Figure 13.38). 10. Roll the edge of the turning sheet on your side and grab it. Pull the turning sheet up so the patient slowly rolls from her back to her side. 11. Keep the head, torso, and legs in line. The body should stay straight during the turn. 12. Cross the patient’s arms over her chest so they are not trapped under the body during the turn (Figure 13.39). Procedure 13.6 Turning a Patient in Bed Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.37 Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.38 Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.39