A client is recovering from a lumbar laminectomy. The nursing care plan requires turning the client every two hours. Which sequence of actions should the practical nurse implement to reposition this client safely from a supine to a lateral position?
- 1Lower the head of the bed to a flat, horizontal position.
- 2Place a pillow between the client's legs.
- 3Instruct the client to cross their arms over their chest.
- 4Turn the client's head, shoulders, and pelvis simultaneously as a single unit.
- 5Place supportive pillows along the client's back and under the upper arm and leg.
Answer
The nurse must first flatten the bed, prepare the client's body alignment by placing a pillow between the legs and crossing the arms, execute the turn as a single unit, and finally support the new lateral position with pillows.
Safe repositioning after spinal surgery requires the 'logrolling' technique. This procedural sequence ensures that the spine remains in strict alignment throughout the entire movement by flattening the bed, securing the extremities, turning the body as one solid unit, and providing postoperative support.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Spinal alignment and logrolling technique