Unit: Turning and Positioning a Client in Bed

NCM 109 Related Learning Experience

Topic Outline
1. Definition
2. Purpose
3. Supplies and equipment needed
4. Procedure

Learning Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be able to:
 Recognize the importance and purposes of Turning and Positioning
 Accurately identify the supplies and equipment needed in assisting patient in bed

Introduction
Positioning is relevant for all clients who are bedridden or lying in bed for an extended amount of time
each day. This might be clients with decreased mobility and/or sensibility, clients with deformities,
spasticity, pain and clients with pressure ulcers or those who are at risk of developing pressure
ulcers. 
Positioning is also relevant to clients with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and for clients that are restless and
unpredictable. Furthermore, positioning is also relevant for clients with temporary conditions, e.g. clients that have
undergone surgery or are pregnant. 

1. Definition
It is a technique in repositioning a client on bed.

2. Purpose
 It aims to prevent complications that may arise while client is confined in bed.
 Position client for comfort and body alignment.
 Positions client for a variety of clinical procedures.

3. Supplies and equipment needed

 Pillow
 Rolled Blanket/Towels
 Foot Board

4. Procedure

PROCEDURE RATIONALE

To provide information relative to clients abilities, and

1. Assess client’s physical abilities, level of comfort, physical status, and number of individuals needed to
and activity tolerance. safe turning and positioning.

There are specific restrictions in positioning the client

2. Check the Doctor’s order. or special position required by impending procedure.

3. Wash Hands. To reduce the transmission of microorganism

4. Organize and check the device. Make sure it’s To avoid accidents while transferring the clients.
functional.
5. Identify the client and explain the procedure. To promote cooperation; encourage assistance and

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transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of UCU, is strictly prohibited.
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 enhance understanding of the procedure.

6. Adjust the bed to comfortable working height. To prevent back and muscle strain while doing the
Lower side rails on the side of the bed while task. NCM 109 Related Learning Experience
assisting the client.
7. Put the bed in flat position if possible. To prevent working against gravity.

To prevent accidental dislodgement of tubes and

8. Secure all tubes, drains, and IV’s to accommodate
new clients position. discomfort from movement.

9. Place or assist client into appropriate starting To prevent client from injury.
position.
TURNING PATIENT FROM SUPINE TO SIDE
LYING
10. Have the client to flex his knees and place his arms To prevent the client from rolling back.
across his chest.
Placing hand on clients hips and shoulders will roll the
11. Place your hands on the client’s shoulders and hip
on the far side. heaviest part of the body.

12. Spread your feet, flex your knees, place one foot To provide wide base support.
behind the other, while racking backward, and
gently roll the client towards you.
13. Raise the bed side rails to the side where you are To prevent the client from rolling out of bed.
working, and move to the other side of the bed.
14. Adjust the client until he/she is in correct side lying To help the client maintain the position comfortably.
position.
15.Pillows may ne placed to support clients head and To provide support and prevent client from rolling back
arms. If client is unstable, a pillow may be placed to supine position.
at the back.
TURNING CLIENT FROM SUPINE TO PRONE

16.Move the client to the extreme edge of the bed. To provide adequate space for learning.

17.Raise the side rails on that side and move to the To prevent the client to accidentally rolling out of bed.
other side of the bed.

18. Turn the client toward you. Place the client’s This secures and prevent client from rolling out of his
arm under his buttocks near you. With the face, arms, and legs.
palm up, bring his far leg over the leg near
you. Turn the client’s face away from you.
19. Grasp the client’s far hand with your hand and his This allow the heaviest part of the client’s body to roll
far hip with your other hand. comfortably.
20. Spread your feet, flex your knees and place one This position provide a wide base support and gives
foot behind the other and gently pull and roll the stability while rolling the client.
client towards you unto his abdomen.
21. Move the client onto the center of the bed. To prevent the client to accidentally rolling out of bed.

22. After the move is completed, a shallow pillow may To provide support and comfort.
be used to support the client’s head. An additional
pillow may be placed under the lower leg to reduce
of the toes against the bed.
TURNING CLIENT FROM PRONE TO SUPINE
PROCEDURE
This position secures the client’s arms and legs so that
23. Place the clients far hand under his far thigh. Cross
his near leg over his far leg and turn the client’s he does not roll on them and prevents turning unto his
face towards you. face.

24. Reach under the client’s hips to grasp far hand. This gives stability by providing wide base support.
Place your second hand on his near hip, spread
your feet and flex your knees.

All information contained in this module are property of UCU and provided solely for educational purposes. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or
transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of UCU, is strictly prohibited.
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25. Pull the client’s hands while pushing on his hip, This motion utilizes the strong muscles on your arm to
gently roll the body away from you unto his back. roll the heaviest part of the body.

26. After the move is completed, a footboard may be NCM 109

To provide support and comfort. Related Learning Experience
used to support the foot, additional pillows may be
used to support the client’s head, arms, and lower
back.

27. Move table to bed and place items of frequent use To provide client’s safety.
withing reach of the client, if necessary.

To reduce transfer of microorganism and provide

28. Wash hands and document the procedure.
accurate data on the patient care.

Interactive Link:

View this demonstration by clicking the following link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ36M3FEzY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2AooYk1Q78

All information contained in this module are property of UCU and provided solely for educational purposes. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or
transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of UCU, is strictly prohibited.
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