Logrolling the Resident

Written by Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN
Amanda is a BSN/RN with a MS in Physiology and a BA in English. She worked as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry for 11 years before pursuing a career in nursing. She now works as a nurse on a NeuroTelemetry unit and continues to write and edit on a freelance basis. Amanda’s LinkedIn

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.

Logrolling Technique

  1. Safe logrolling requires three people. This prevents injury to the resident and to the healthcare workers.
  2. Two workers should stand on the side of the bed the resident is being rolled toward. One should stand on the opposite side.
  3. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
  4. Make sure that the draw sheet is under the resident and extends at least from the resident’s shoulders to their knees.
  5. Have the resident cross their arms over their chest and place a small pillow between their knees.
  6. The worker on the side the resident is being turned away from should fanfold the draw sheet until it is close to the resident.
  7. One worker on the side the resident is turning to face should grasp the fan-folded draw sheet at the resident’s lower back and shoulder. The other worker should grasp the draw sheet at the level of the resident’s lower hips and thighs.
  8. On the count of three, the two workers holding the draw sheet should pull toward themselves in a continuous, smooth motion.
  9. The worker now äóìbehindäó the resident should support the resident’s head in line with their body and immediately place a pillow under the resident’s head. If the resident is to stay on their side, this worker should place pillows along the resident’s back to help support them in that position.
  10. The workers holding the draw sheet should gently release the tension so that the resident rolls back onto the pillows.
  11. Ask the resident if they are comfortable. Make adjustments as necessary.
  12. Lower the bed back to the lowest position.
  13. Document the position per institutional or unit policy. Report any difficulty getting the resident into position, or maintaining position to the nurse per policy.

References

Activity and mobility. (2014). In A. G. Perry, P. A. Potter, and W. R. Ostendorf (Eds), Clinical nursing skills & techniques (8th ed., pp. 217). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.

More Resources

Passive Range of Motion Exercises

Range of motion exercises are used to help prevent or decrease contractures, improve flexibility of joints, and improve strength [1]. Bedridden patients as well as those with reduced mobility may greatly benefit from passive range of motion exercises. However, do not perform these exercises without an order to do so, as it may be contraindicated in certain situations.

Measuring the Apical Pulse

The apical pulse rate is the most accurate non-invasive measurement of heart rate because it is measured directly over the apex of the heart. Apical pulse is preferred in cases when the radial pulse is difficult to palpate, when the pulse is irregular, greater than 100 beats per minute, or less than 60 beats per minute when measured by other means (electronic, radial, etc.).

Indwelling Catheter Care

Indwelling catheters allow urine to drain from the bladder. They are used when residents are unable to urinate on their own or when the process of cleaning the resident after urination would be difficult for the resident to tolerate (such as during end of life care). Caring for the catheter appropriately is a vital part of preventing infection and skin breakdown.

Tympanic Membrane Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

A tympanic membrane thermometer uses an infrared sensor to measure the temperature of the tympanic membrane (ear drum). This type of thermometer is considered an accurate and reliable predictor of a patient’s core temperature because the tympanic membrane’s blood supply is sourced from the carotid artery, which is the same artery that carries blood to the hypothalamus in the brain.

Moving the Resident from a Bed to a Stretcher or Gurney

Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher can pose huge safety risks to both the patient and to the health care workers completing the transfer. Always use the appropriate amount of people to complete a transfer, which may vary according to the patient’s weight and/or the facility’s policy. In some cases, a mechanical lift may be needed.

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.