Question

Difficulty: MediumBasic Care and Comfort

A practical nurse (PN) and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are preparing to move a partially dependent client up in bed using a draw sheet. In what order should the nurse direct these actions? Arrange the steps from first to last.

  1. 1Position the bed flat and raise the bed height to the level of the caregivers' waists.
  2. 2Remove the client's pillow and place it upright against the headboard.
  3. 3Instruct the client to fold their arms across their chest and bend their knees.
  4. 4Grasp the rolled draw sheet tightly and close to the client's body on both sides.
  5. 5Shift weight from the back leg to the front leg while moving the client on the count of three.

Answer

The correct sequence is: 1) Position the bed flat and raise the bed height, 2) Remove the pillow and place it against the headboard, 3) Instruct the client to fold their arms and bend their knees, 4) Grasp the draw sheet close to the client, and 5) Shift weight to move the client on the count of three.
To safely move a client up in bed, the nurse must first prioritize environmental safety and ergonomics by flattening and raising the bed. Next, the client's head is protected by placing the pillow against the headboard. The client is then positioned to minimize friction and assist with the move (arms folded, knees bent). Finally, the caregivers establish a secure, close grip on the draw sheet and use a coordinated weight-shifting technique to execute the movement safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Prepare the environment for safe ergonomics.
The bed is flattened and raised to waist level.
Minimizes the need for the caregivers to reach or bend at the waist, reducing back strain and preventing gravity from working against the movement.
2
Protect the client from potential injury.
The pillow is placed against the headboard.
Provides a soft barrier that prevents the client's head from striking the hard surface of the headboard during the upward motion.
3
Prepare the client for movement.
The client's arms are folded and knees are bent.
Folding the arms reduces friction against the bed linens. Bending the knees allows the client to push with their heels, actively assisting the caregivers and reducing lifting requirements.
4
Establish a secure grip for the transfer.
The draw sheet is rolled and grasped close to the client's body.
Holding the sheet close to the client keeps the weight close to the caregivers' center of gravity, which is essential for safe body mechanics.
5
Execute the movement synchronously.
Caregivers shift their weight and the client is moved up in bed.
Moving on a unified count ensures smooth motion, evenly distributes the workload, and prevents jerky movements that could cause pain or injury.

Key Concept

Proper body mechanics and safety principles during client positioning and bed transfers.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question