Assist Client with Turning & Positioning

This set covers the rationales, contraindications, safety precautions, body mechanics, and specific techniques for turning and positioning clients, as well as stroke identification.

Supine (Dorsal Recumbent)

A common bed position where the client lies flat on their back facing up.

Lateral (Side-lying)

A common bed position where the client lies on their side.

Prone

A common bed position where the client lies flat on their stomach.

Fowler's

A common bed position where the head of the bed is elevated to a semi-sitting or sitting position.

Pressure Sores

A risk reduced by regular turning and positioning of clients in bed or chairs.

Limb Contractures

A condition involving the shortening and hardening of muscles or tissues that turning helps to prevent.

Contraindication

A specific situation in which a medical treatment or procedure must be withheld because it would cause harm to the patient.

Precaution

A situation where certain medical treatments or procedures should be administered with care because benefits may outweigh potential risks.

Increased Intracranial Pressure

A specific medical condition listed as a contraindication for positioning.

Attachments

Medical equipment connected to a patient, such as chest drains, urine bags, or VAC machines, that require precautions during positioning.

Proper Body Mechanics

The use of correct posture and movement, such as maintaining a wide base of support and bending at the knees instead of the back, to prevent injury while moving clients.

Draw Sheet

An equipment tool that should be used if available to assist with proper body mechanics during client positioning.

Neutral Ankle Position

A positioning goal achieved in the supine position by placing a wedge under the feet.

External Rotation of Hips

A movement in the supine position prevented by placing rolled towels at the side of the client's thighs.

Tilt Table

An equipment used for positioning bedbound clients, those unable to stand upright, or those with postural hypotension to allow weight bearing and BP regulation.

Symptoms of Distress

Subjective feelings reported by the patient such as feeling breathless, giddy, increased pain, or nausea.

Signs of Distress

Objective observations of the patient such as being pale, cold sweat, increased respiratory rate, low $spO_2$ reading, or vomiting.

Ischaemic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, such as a blood clot or fatty deposit, leading to cell death.

Haemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by the rupture of weak blood vessels due to an aneurysm or abnormal formation.

B-E-F-A-S-T

An acronym used to identify the six warning signs of a stroke.