Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. TURNING A PATIENT Purpose: The correct use of the body is important to the aide in lifting and turning patients. By using thigh and hip muscles, he/she can prevent strain on the back. It is important to learn how to move or turn the patient with the least effort to aide and maximum safety to both patient and attendant. Equipment: Extra pillows Procedure: Turning patient toward attendant - 1. Explain procedure to patient, have patient move to far side of bed. Be sure patient is not too close to edge of bed. 2. If patient is heavy or helpless, get assistance. 3 Stand with feet slightly apart and one foot in front of the other, bend from the hips with knees slightly flexed. 4. Bring the arm of the patient from the far side, over toward you. 5. Flex the patient's far knee and bring toward you. 6. Roll shoulder slightly and turn toward you. 7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until patient is on side. 8. Place a pillow lengthwise against the back; fold pillow in and tuck securely against patient. 9. Be sure patient's head and neck are in good alignment. 10. Flex under knee slightly. 11. Flex upper leg and bring knee forward to rest on a pillow. 12. Place folded pillow in front of patient's chest; rest upper arm on pillow (be sure patient's arms are in comfortable position). Turning patient to opposite side of bed - 1 . Move patient to near side of bed. 2. Flex patient's knees. 3. Place patient's near arm across chest. 4. Slide one arm under patient's back so hand is beneath far shoulder. 5. Slide other arm as far as possible under patient's hips. 6. Drawing your arms toward you, gently roll the patient away from you. If patient is heavy or helpless, use lift sheet. 7. Support patient with pillows as outlined above. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-47