A practical nurse (PN) and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are preparing to turn an immobile, bariatric client who is 12 hours postoperative following an abdominal laparotomy. The client requires a lateral turn for a routine linen change. The client is resting on an electrically powered bariatric bed. Upon attempting to adjust the bed, the PN discovers the height controls are malfunctioning, leaving the mattress locked at its lowest position near the floor. Which action represents the most appropriate ergonomic and safety decision by the PN?
- Delay the non-emergent linen change, maintain the client in a safe supine position, and request immediate maintenance to repair the bed mechanism.Answer
- BDelegate the responsibility of assessing the client's posterior surgical dressing and skin integrity to the UAP while the PN searches for a manual hand crank.
- CElevate all four side rails to confine the client on the low bed, establishing a physical restraint to prevent falls while staff leave the room to find help.
- DDirect the UAP to assist in rolling the client completely into a prone position to bypass the need for lifting the client's full weight against gravity.
Answer
The most appropriate action is to delay the non-emergent linen change, maintain the client in a safe supine position, and request immediate maintenance to repair the bed mechanism.
The correct action prioritizes the fundamental principle of ergonomics: never perform heavy manual lifting or pulling while the spine is flexed and out of alignment. Because the bed cannot be raised to the nurse's center of gravity (waist level), turning a bariatric client becomes exceptionally hazardous. Since the linen change is not life-saving, delaying the task until the equipment is functional is the only safe clinical judgment.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Ergonomics and Safe Use of Equipment
Estimated Time:1m 30s