What it means
Turning or shifting a client who cannot move well, to relieve pressure on the skin over bony areas, help breathing and blood flow, and keep comfort. The usual schedule for a client in bed is at least every 2 hours, and more often for a client in a chair or at high risk. Positions rotate between the back (supineSOO-pineLying flat on the back, face up.Full entry ), sides and sometimes front (proneprohnLying flat on the stomach, face down.Full entry ), with pillows to keep the body aligned. A tube or IV line can also be repositioned.
For the nurse
Check the skin over the heels, sacrum, hips, elbows and back of the head at each turn. Lift rather than drag the client to avoid shearing the skin, and use a turning schedule so each turn is recorded. Turning a stable client can be delegated to UAPyou-ay-pee (said as letters)Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.Full entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | cambio de posición; reposicionar (to reposition) |
|---|---|
| Also written | reposition, repositions, repositioned |