3.5 Positioning Patients in Bed

Positioning a patient in bed is important for maintaining alignment and for preventing bed sores (pressure ulcers), foot drop, and contractures (Perry et al., ). Proper positioning is also vital for providing comfort for patients who are bedridden or have decreased mobility related to a medical condition or treatment. When positioning a patient in bed, supportive devices such as pillows, rolls, and blankets, along with repositioning, can aid in providing comfort and safety (Perry et al., ).

Click here to get more.

Patient Positions in Bed

Positioning a patient in bed is a common procedure in the hospital. There are various positions possible for patients in bed, which may be determined by their condition, preference, or treatment related to an illness. Table 3.6 lists patient positions in bed.

Table 3.6 Patient Positions in Bed

Position

Description

Supine position Patient lies flat on back. Additional supportive devices may be added for comfort. Prone position Patient lies on stomach with head turned to the side. Lateral position Patient lies on the side of the body with the top leg over the bottom leg. This position helps relieve pressure on the coccyx. Sims position Patient lies between supine and prone with legs flexed in front of the patient. Arms should be comfortably placed beside the patient, not underneath. Fowler’s position Patient’s head of bed is placed at a 45-degree angle. Hips may or may not be flexed. This is a common position to provide patient comfort and care. Semi-Fowler’s position Patient’s head of bed is placed at a 30-degree angle. This position is used for patients who have cardiac or respiratory conditions, and for patients with a nasogastric tube. Orthopneic or tripod position Patient sits at the side of the bed with head resting on an over-bed table on top of several pillows. This position is used for patients with breathing difficulties. Trendelenburg position Place the head of the bed lower than the feet. This position is used in situations such as hypotension and medical emergencies. It helps promote venous return to major organs such as the head and heart. Data source: ATI, a; Perry et al., ; Potter et al.,

Moving a Patient up in Bed

When moving a patient in bed, perform a patient risk assessment prior to the procedure to determine the level of assistance needed for optimal patient care. If a patient is unable to assist with repositioning in bed, follow agency policy regarding “no patient lifts” and the use of mechanical lifts for complex and bariatric patients. See Checklist 25 for the steps to move a patient up in bed.

Checklist 25: Moving a Patient Up in Bed

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill.

Safety considerations: 

• Perform hand hygiene.
• Check room for contact precautions.
  
• Introduce yourself to patient.
• Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
• Listen and attend to patient cues.
• Ensure patient’s privacy and dignity.
• Assess ABCCS/suction/oxygen/safety.
  
• Ensure tubes and attachments are properly placed prior to the procedure to prevent accidental removal.
• Ensure patient has a draw sheet or a friction-reducing sheet on the bed prior to repositioning.

Steps

 Additional Information

1. Make sure an additional health care provider is available to help with the move.

This procedure requires two health care providers.

2. Explain to the patient what will happen and how the patient can help.

Doing this provides the patient with an opportunity to ask questions and help with the positioning.

3. Complete risk assessment (Checklist 24) of patient’s ability to help with the positioning.

This step prevents injury to patient and health care provider.

4. Raise bed to safe working height and ensure that brakes are applied. Health care providers stand on each side of the bed.

Principles of proper body mechanics help prevent MSI.

Safe working height is at waist level for the shortest health care provider.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from defeng.

5. Lay patient supine; place pillow at the head of the bed and against the headboard.

This step protects the head from accidentally hitting the headboard during repositioning.

6. Stand between shoulders and hips of patient, feet shoulder width apart. Weight will be shifted from back foot to front foot.

This keeps the heaviest part of the patient closest to the centre of gravity of the health care providers.

7. Fan-fold the draw sheet toward the patient with palms facing up.

This provides a strong grip to move the patient up using the draw sheet.

8. Ask patient to tilt head toward chest, fold arms across chest, and bend knees to assist with the movement. Let the patient know when the move will happen.

This step prevents injury from patient and prepares patient for the move.

9. Tighten your gluteal and abdominal muscles, bend your knees, and keep back straight and neutral.

The principles of proper body mechanics help prevent injury.

10. On the count of three by the lead person, gently slide (not lift) the patient up the bed, shifting your weight from the back foot to the front, keeping back straight with knees slightly bent.

The principles of proper body mechanics help prevent injury.

11. Replace pillow under head, position patient in bed, and cover with sheets.

This step promotes comfort and prevents harm to patient.

12. Lower bed, raise side rails as required, and ensure call bell is within reach. Perform hand hygiene.

Placing bed and side rails in safe positions reduces the likelihood of injury to patient. Proper placement of call bell facilitates patient’s ability to ask for assistance.

Hand hygiene reduces the spread of microorganisms.

Data source: Perry et al., ; PHSA,

Watch these three videos for more information about how to move a patient up in bed.

Positioning a Patient to the Side of the Bed

Prior to ambulating, repositioning, or transferring a patient from one surface to another (e.g., a stretcher to a bed), it may be necessary to move the patient to the side of the bed to avoid straining or excessive reaching by the health care provider. Positioning the patient to the side of the bed also allows the health care provider to have the patient as close as possible to the health care provider’s centre of gravity for optimal balance during patient handling. Checklist 26 describes how to safely move a patient to the side of the bed.

The contents of this factsheet were developed under grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant numbers 90DP and 90DP). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this factsheet do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Medical Bed Parts. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.