St.

Paul College of Ilocos Sur

A (Member, St. Paul University System)
St. Paul Avenue, Bantay, 2727 Ilocos Sur
College of Nursing

SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021

NCM 103: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice

Administering Back Rub

Procedures Rationalization
1. Silently recite a prayer.
2. Assess client for contraindications.
3. Explain procedure and position to the client.
4. Prepare needed equipment and supplies.
5. Adjust bed to high, comfortable position.
6. Adjust light, temperature, and sound within
room.
7. Lower side rail and position client in a prone
or side lying position, with back toward you.
8. Provide privacy.
9. Expose client’s back, shoulders, upper arms,
and buttocks.
10. Wash hands in warm water.
11. Warm lotion in hand or warm water.
12. Explain that lotion will feel cool and wet.
13. Apply lotion to sacral area and stroke upward
from buttocks to shoulders, over upper arms,
and back to buttocks, using a continuous,
firm stroke and keeping hands on skin.
14. Continue for atleast 3 minutes.
15. Strike the back with the sides of the hands
along one side of the spine from buttocks to
shoulders, with short equal distances of the
hands.
16. Knead client’s skin by grasping it between
thumb and fingers, moving upward along one
side of the spine from buttocks to shoulders
and nape of neck, the kneading or stroking
down and repeating on other side.
17. End massage with long stroking movements,
and tell client you are ending.
18. Wipe excess lubricant from client back with
bath towel.
19. Assist client in redressing, if necessary.
20. Help client to a comfortable position and
raise side rails as needed. Lower bed.
21. Properly dispose of soiled towel.
22. Wash hands.
23. Ask if client feels comfortable or has any
areas of pain.
24. Record client’s response to massage and
condition of client’s ski.