moving and transfer of patient??

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Aug 26, 2007

Sounds like a homework assignment. All the information you need is in your fundamentals book. If you have a specific question about a technique or piece of equipment, that's fine, but please don't ask this forum to do your research and homework.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2007

Logrolling is the turning and repositioning of a patient who has had spinal surgery or has a spinal injury in a bed without twisting the vertebral column. The patient's head and torso must be maintained in a straight position as they are turned, just like a log. A log cannot twist. If they are able, the patient can move their arms and legs to help in the turning.

Dangling is the act of sitting the patient up at the edge of the bed and allowing their legs to "dangle" or hang over the edge of the bed. This is usually the first sitting up position made before the patient is finally moved to a standing position after they have been on bedrest for some time following surgery or for some other reason. You assist the patient to a dangling position and stand by to make sure they are able to sit up without falling backward and ask them if they are experiencing any dizziness (orthostatic hypotension).

A wedge is a triangular shaped foam device. It is used in place of a pillow and placed behind a patient's spine and back to help them maintain a side lying position in the bed. It also helps to keep the spinal column aligned in a straight line.

Orthostatic hypotension is "hypotension occurring when a person. . .assumes an upright position from a supine position" (page 951, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 18th edition, published in 1997 by F.A. Davis Company). In other words, when you have a patient who has been lying down and you take their blood pressure, sit them up and take their blood pressure again and discover it has dropped by 20 points or more and the patient might also complain of some dizziness, you have just seen a patient who experienced orthostatic hypotension. Not all patients will have symptoms. Doctors will sometimes order blood pressure lying, sitting and standing to detect this condition.Indwelling

Tubings and Drains: there are hundred of tubings and drains that can go into the body or any body organ. Which kind and for which organ are you interested in knowing about? Penrose or Jackson Pratt drains are often placed into surgical wounds before the surgeon sutures the wound closed to help sanginous drainage come out so the tissues can heal. The tissues can't heal when there is a drainage fluid accumulating and no where for it to go.