answersLogoWhite

0

Pulling a patient up in bed?

Updated: 9/27/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Best Answer
Description

A patient's body may slowly slide down in bed when the patient is in bed for a long time. The patient may ask to be moved up higher for comfort. The patient also might need to be moved up so a health care provider can do an examination.

Alternate Names

Moving patient in bed

Avoiding Injury

You must move or pull someone up in bed the right way to avoid injuring the patient's shoulders and skin, and to protect your back.

It takes at least two people to safely move a patient up in bed.

Friction from rubbing can scrape or tear the patient's skin. Common areas at risk for friction are the shoulders, back, buttocks, elbows, and heels.

Never move a patient up by grabbing them under their arms and pulling. It can hurt their shoulders.

Preparing to Move the Patient

A “slide sheet” is the best way to prevent friction. If you do not have one, you can make a “draw sheet” out of a bed sheet that is folded in half. Follow these steps:

  1. Tell the patient what you are doing.
  2. Make the bed flat.
  3. Roll the patient to one side, then place a half rolled-up slide sheet or draw sheet against their back.
  4. Roll the patient onto the sheet and spread the sheet out flat under the patient.
  5. Make sure their head, shoulders, and hips are on the sheet.
Pulling Up

The goal is to pull, not lift, the patient toward the head of the bed.

  1. The two people moving the patient stand on opposite sides of the bed.
  2. Each person grabs the slide sheet or draw sheet on their side. You will put one foot forward as you move the patient in the next step.
  3. On the count of three, move the patient by pulling the sheet toward the head of the bed. You may need to do this more than once to get the patient in the right position.
  4. If you are using a slide sheet, you need to remove it when done.

If the patient can help you, ask the patient to:

  • Bring their chin to their chest and bend their knees. The patient should keep their heels on the bed.
  • Have the patient push with their heels while you pull them up.
References

Body mechanics and transfer techniques. In: Mills JE, ed.Nursing Practices. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 01/31/2012

Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Pulling a patient up in bed?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is up ad lib if your doctor said you have it?

"up ad lib" is a term used in charting or in patient care plans. It means "up as desired" and that the patient may be up (out of bed) whenever he/she desires to be out of bed. There are no restrictions on getting out of bed.


How does reducing frictioninvolving movement apply to nursing?

If you are talking about nurse asst. then, reducing the friction on the patient while pulling them up in bed would help to prevent bed sores. For example: Using 2 people instead of 1, and using a pad to pull them up. Also,reducing or eliminating any other friction, or pressure, especially on the bony areas that lie on the bed. For example, floating the heels.


What does setup mean in occupational therapy terms?

I am a PTA from the south and we do not use set up help to document a patient's support. It is a nursing or an occupational therapy terminology but I do know it means to prepare the area for the patient prior to ADL's like eating, bathing, transfers or dressing. For instance, you may have a patient who has difficulty opening up a milk carton or has to be positioned in their bed prior to eating but does not need help eating their food. If a therapist just assist with opening up their milk cartoon and positioning the patient so he or she can reach their food would be set up help for eating. Or you may have a patient that is unable to propel their own wheel chair to get in their bed but if I was push the wc chair close to the bed, the patient would be able to get out of their chair into their bed. That would be set up help with transfers. I did not help the patient get out of the chair into the bed, I just placed the wheel chair close to the bed to help set the patient up. Hope that makes sense and helps.


What is the definition of 'patient bed days'?

A bed-day is a day during which a person is confined to a bed and in which the patient stays overnight in a hospital


What is an Australian or drag lift?

The Australian lift: Is a type of shoulder lift used to move a patient who is unable to assume a sitting position on a bed or other surface. The lift is executed by two persons, one on each side of the patient, who place their shoulders near the patient under the patient's axillae. At the same time, the two lifters grasp each other's hands under the patient's thighs and make coordinated movements needed to lift the patient onto or from a bed or wheelchair. A Drag lift: Is when the carer/person pulls a patient up by pulling/dragging them under their arms. Its very painful for the patient and is classed as abuse these days. It can tear and bruise skin. If a person can't get up on their own, then a hoist should be used.


What are the release dates for Pulling Off the Bed Clothes - 1903?

Pulling Off the Bed Clothes - 1903 was released on: USA: May 1903


What can you do to prevent a patient from falling out of bed?

Restrain the patient.


Define what is meant by manual handling?

This is assisting a patient to stand up or to turn over in bed.


How do I choose the most suitable hospital bed for a patient?

When choosing a hospital bed for a patient, there are several factors to consider such as the patient's medical condition, size and weight, and mobility needs. 1. Medical condition: The patient's medical condition will determine the type of bed that is most suitable for them. For example, if the patient has a pressure ulcer, an adjustable air mattress bed would be a good option as it can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. 2. Size and weight: The patient's size and weight will determine the weight capacity of the bed. It is important to choose a bed that can accommodate the patient's weight and size comfortably. 3. Mobility needs: The patient's mobility needs will determine the type of bed that is most suitable for them. For example, if the patient is able to get in and out of bed independently, a manual bed would be a good option. However, if the patient requires assistance with mobility, an electric bed would be a better choice. 4. Other features: There are also other features to consider when choosing a hospital bed, such as the bed height, bed rails, and the option for a bedside table. It is important to consult with the patient's healthcare provider or occupational therapist to determine the most suitable bed for their specific needs.


How to correctly transfer patient from bed to wheelchair?

Assuming the person can use their arms. Sit on the edge of the bed, makes sure the brakes ar locked, push down with your arms lifting your butt into the air (even if just relieving pressure) , with arms and turning of the body move butt over to the chair, relax arms. A bridge of some sort may be used, such as a board.


What is a bed patient in a hospital called?

The bed patient lies on in the hospital is called a hospital bed. There are different types of hospital beds ranging from Manual hospital beds to Electric Hospital beds. In a Manual hospital bed the functions of the bed like Backrest elevation(in this function we can raise the patient from back up to 70 Degree), Kneerest Elevation (In this function we can elevate the knees up to 45 degrees), Height adjustment ( height of the bed is adjusted from 18-30(lower to higher)) and there is two more functions Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg which is mostly used in ICU Beds, these functions are achieved with a handle at the end of the bed, while in Electric Hospital Bed these functions are controlled by a remote. For more info follow the link given: Visit Healthy Jeena Sikho website for more info


What is the purpose of changing position in bed on a comatose patient?

To prevent bed sores.