Assisting the Resident to Sit on the Side of the Bed

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

Equipment needed: footstool (if required).

  1. Perform hand hygiene.
  2. Explain the procedure to the resident and ask for his or her assistance in following directions.
  3. Lock the bed wheels and ensure the bed is in its lowest position.
  4. If the head of the bed is adjustable, raise it so the resident is in a sitting position.
  5. Slide one arm under the resident’s shoulders and the other arm under the resident’s thighs.
  6. While providing support, pivot the resident so his or her legs dangle off the side of the bed.
  7. Support the resident until he or she has adjusted to the position change.
  8. Provide a footstool if the resident cannot reach the floor with his or her feet.
  9. Allow the resident to dangle for as long as ordered or proceed with the next procedure (taking vital signs, transferring the resident, etc.).
  10. If the resident reports dizziness lasting longer than one minute while dangling, assist the resident in lying back down.
  11. To lay the resident back down, place your arms under the resident’s shoulders and thighs and slowly turn the resident back into his or her original position.
  12. Assist the resident into a comfortable position and adjust the head of the bed, if necessary. Place the call light within the resident’s reach.
  13. Perform hand hygiene.
  14. Document the procedure in the resident’s chart and report any changes in the resident’s condition to the nurse.

Important Information

Having the resident sit on the side of the bed is otherwise referred to as dangling. When a resident quickly changes position, especially from lying to sitting or standing, there can be a rapid drop in the resident’s blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure may cause dizziness or lightheadedness [1]. Dangling allows the resident to reach equilibrium in the upright position. The nurse’s assistant should encourage the resident to remain seated until he or she has regained balance and can safely assume a standing position.

References

1. Postural Hypotension: What it is & How to Manage it

More Resources

Measuring the Respirations

Respiration is a vital sign that is measured frequently in the healthcare setting. Taking this measurement requires no equipment and relatively little time. However, it is a measurement that must be taken accurately, as a change in respiration may indicate the worsening of a patient’s condition.

Handwashing for CNAs

Handwashing is considered the single most important practice to prevent the spread of infection. Even when hands look clean, they could potentially be crawling with dangerous microorganisms and pathogens. Using soap and friction during handwashing helps loosen the oils on the skin, allowing dirt and pathogens to be rinsed away.

Logrolling the Resident

Logrolling is a technique used to roll a resident onto their side without the resident helping, and while keeping the resident’s spine in a straight line. This is especially important for residents who have had spinal surgery or injury.

Prone Position

Prone position is not used as commonly as other patient positions. This position allows for full extension of the hips and the knees and gives many bony prominences a break from continuous pressure. However, placing patients in prone position does not come without the risks of pressure ulcers.

Performing Ostomy Care

Residents who have had a portion of their intestines removed due to illness or trauma may have a temporary or permanent ostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen that is created for the elimination of urine or feces. The portion of the intestine that is connected to the abdominal wall and is visible is called the stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect feces.

Fowler’s Position

Fowler’s position is used when a patient is eating, is having difficulty breathing, or is ordered by a doctor. This position is easily recognized because the patient will be sitting “straight up.” Semi-Fowler’s is sitting “half-way up,” and is used when patients cannot be laid flat, but wish to be in a more relaxed position than Fowler’s.