The pt that always slides down

Specialties Private Duty

Published

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

I'm out of ideas! I have a pt that slides down no matter what I do. Head must be elevated per orders. But nothing is keeping the kid from sliding down and getting into an awkward position. The pt will start sliding down as we reposition. We have a wedge, pillows, a pillow with beads in it that feels like and weighs as much as a pillowcase of bricks, blankets on either side, body pillows surrounding pt.

The heavy one is under the legs with another pillow bracing that one. Wedge and pillow under head. Blankets and pillows to prevent twisting into awkward positions. Pt also has hip issues.

Ideas? I reposition every five minutes and so does the family. I guess the plus side is less worry about pressure ulcers!

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Specializes in hospice.

You know that non skid rubber mesh you can put on cabinet shelves? Go buy a roll at Target or somewhere, cut a piece, and put it underneath the draw sheet, absorbent pad, or whatever you have underneath the patient.

Right under the butt, where the concentration of weight is. It should help at least a little.

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

I was thinking that. Even mentioned it to the parent. Have you tried it?

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Specializes in hospice.

It's a regularly-used tactic for our at home hospice patients.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I was thinking "duct tape" but ignore me! :D ...or velcro...

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

Haha!

I found something that works for now. Too hard to explain, would have to show a pic...which I can't do :-(

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Haha!

I found something that works for now. Too hard to explain, would have to show a pic...which I can't do :-(

Does it involve the use of heavy duty gauge chains?

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.
Does it involve the use of heavy duty gauge chains?

So that's why the night nurse looked at me funny at change of shift! ;-)

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I'm starting to slide down in bed and could use some of these gadgets!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

We've used that rubber mesh on wheelchairs to prevent sliding. Unless the pt can lift his/her butt and bypass the mesh, it usually works. But that's for chairs - beds might be a bit more difficult.

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Z- flo pillows.

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