400 Unit 4 Healthcare Skills Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 13. Once the patient is turned, place pillows behind the back and buttocks to help keep her on her side comfortably (Figure 13.40). Procedure 13.6 Turning a Patient in Bed (continued) Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.40 Real Life Scenario Real Life Scenario Mrs. Gallagher, an elderly widow, has suffered a severe stroke. She has been in the hospital for several days and is unable to get out of bed. You have been asked to care for her today and one of your responsibilities is to position and turn her to prevent her from getting a decubitus ulcer. She has had no visitors. Her children live in Europe and her sister, who lives locally, is much older and cannot visit. As a result of her stroke, Mrs. Gallagher cannot speak and is paralyzed on her left side. When you enter her room, she is restless and looks very depressed. Apply It 1. What actions should you take to be sure you are positioning and turning Mrs. Gallagher correctly? 2. What can you say and do for Mrs. Gallagher to help her feel more comfortable? What’s in a Position? Transferring a Patient Transferring patients from their bed to a chair, wheelchair, or stretcher (and back again) is another procedure that requires concentration and safety awareness. Transfer sheets, slides, or roll boards, as well as wood or plastic slide or transfer boards are typically used for bed and stretcher transfers. Gait belts can be useful during transfers to chairs or wheelchairs. For patients who are extremely overweight or cannot bend their bodies, mechanical or electronic lifts may be used. There are several steps in the transfer procedure. Remember the steps that need to be done prior to the transfer such as washing your hands greet- ing the patient and explaining, in simple terms, what you are planning to do. Ensure that any tubes, medical devices, or IVs are secure enough to transfer with the patient. 14. Do not drag or pull the patient because doing so can tear or break skin. 15. Turn the patient so her body is properly aligned and then straighten the bed linens. Lower the bed, if needed, and raise the bed rails. Follow-up 16. Make sure the patient is safe and comfortable. Place the call light and personal items within easy reach. 17. Wash your hands to ensure infection control. Reporting and Documentation 18. Communicate any specifi c observations, complications, or unusual responses to the appropriate provider. Also record this information in the patient’s chart or EMR.