Skill: Turning a Client to the Lateral or Prone Position in Bed

Performed
Preparation
1.

Determine:
Assistive devices that will be
required.
Encumbrances to movement.
Medications the client is
receiving.
Assistance required from other
health care personnel.
Procedure

1.

2.

3.
4.

Introduce yourself and verify the

clients identity. Explain to the
client what you are going to do,
why it is necessary, and how the
client can cooperate.
Perform hand hygiene and observe
other appropriate infection control
procedures.
Provide for client privacy.
Position yourself and the client
appropriately before performing
the move.
Move the client closer to the side of
the bed opposite the side the client
will face when turned. Use a pull
sheet beneath the clients trunk and
thighs to pull the client to the side of
the bed. Roll up the sheet as close as
possible to the clients body, and pull
the client to the side of the bed.
Adjust the clients head, and
reposition legs appropriately.
While standing on the side of the bed
nearest the client, place the clients
near arm across chest. Abduct the
clients far shoulder slightly from the
side of the body, and externally rotate
the shoulder.
Place the clients near ankle and foot
across the far ankle and foot.
Raise the side rail next to the client
before going to the other side of the
bed.
Position yourself on the side of the
bed toward which the client will turn,
directly in line with the clients
waistline and as close to the bed as
possible.

Yes

No

Mastered

Comments

5.

Lean your trunk forward from the

hips. Flex your hips, knees, and
ankles. Assume a broad stance with
one foot forward and the weight
placed on this forward foot.
Pull or roll the client toward you to
the lateral position.
Place one hand on the clients far hip
and the other hand on the clients far
shoulder.
Tighten your gluteal, abdominal, leg,
and arm muscles; rock backward,
shifting your weight from the forward
to the backward foot; and roll the
client onto the side of the body to
face you.
Position the client on side, with arms
and legs positioned and supported
properly.

Variation: Turning the Client to a Prone Position

6.

Procedure
To turn a client to the prone position,
follow the preceding steps, with two
exceptions:
Instead of abducting the far arm,
keep the clients arm alongside
the body for the client to roll
over.
Roll the client completely onto
the abdomen. Never pull a client
across the bed while the client is
in the prone position.
Document all relevant information.
Record:
Time, position from which the
client was moved, and position to
which client was moved.
Any signs of pressure areas.
Use of support devices.
Ability of client to assist in
moving and turning.
Response of client to moving and
turning.