Patient rotation is a fundamental part of healthcare, especially for those who spend long periods in bed.
To ensure comfort and prevent complications, nurses and caregivers play a crucial role in providing specialized care.
In this article, we'll explore the top five tips from expert nurses on patient turnover.
5 Essential Tips on Patient Turnover (Given by Nurse Practitioners)
1. Rotation Schedule: More than a Duty, a Necessity
The reality is that establishing a regular rotation schedule isn't an act of love; it's a necessity. Consistent rotation not only prevents skin problems but also provides insurance against complications. A well-structured schedule is the cornerstone of a patient's health.
2. Use Proper Rotation Techniques
Nurses recommend using proper rolling techniques to ensure patient safety and comfort. Methods such as lateral and 30-degree rotations are essential for relieving pressure on specific areas of the body, thus minimizing the risk of skin breakdown and discomfort.
Lateral Rotation:
Lateral rotation is like changing channels in the life of a bedridden patient. This technique involves turning the patient onto their side, redistributing pressure on specific areas of the body. This simple change in position is essential for relieving pressure on areas prone to pressure ulcers, a constant concern in the care of bedridden patients. Furthermore, lateral rotation helps improve blood circulation, an essential factor for the patient's overall health.
30 Degree Rotation:
In the world of specialized care, degrees matter, and the 30-degree rotation is a valuable tactic. This technique involves tilting the patient's body at a specific angle, again seeking to redistribute pressure on critical points. This tilt is not only effective at relieving pressure on high-risk areas, such as the heels and back, but also minimizes friction and reduces the risk of skin irritation.
3. Active Mobilization: More than an Exercise, a Necessity:
Incorporating active mobilization during rotation is essential for strengthening muscles and maintaining joint flexibility. Nurses emphasize the importance of patient collaboration in their own mobilization , whenever possible, to promote independence and improve quality of life.
Importance of Promoting Active Mobilization:
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Muscle Atrophy Prevention: Plays a crucial role in preventing muscle atrophy, a common side effect of prolonged immobility. By engaging the patient in active movement, muscles are stimulated and strengthened, helping to maintain their mass and function.
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Improved Blood Circulation: Acts as a natural blood circulation booster. Regular movement promotes more efficient blood flow, helping to prevent problems such as blood clots and improving tissue oxygenation, which is essential for overall health.
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Promoting Independence and Self-Esteem: Involving patients in their own mobility not only has physical benefits but also contributes significantly to their emotional well-being. Active mobility promotes independence, allowing patients to actively participate in their care. This sense of autonomy not only improves quality of life but also strengthens the patient's self-esteem.
4. Implement Specialized Rest Surfaces
Specialized sleeping surfaces play a crucial role in patient turnover. Mattresses and cushions specifically designed to evenly distribute pressure help prevent problems such as pressure ulcers.
At TheraMart , we offer a line of therapeutic solutions for the care of bedridden or severely disabled patients . Among them, we recommend TheraTurner and TheraMulti , two complementary products for patient rotation and mobilization.
TheraTurner: Patient Rotation Cushion
It is specifically designed to simplify the caregiver's tasks when rotating patients in bed, offering invaluable practical benefits:
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Waterproof for Hassle-Free Hygiene: TheraTurner not only makes turning easier, but its 100% waterproof composition ensures efficient cleaning and disinfection. This attribute ensures a hygienic environment for the patient, essential for their well-being.
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Long-lasting Firmness and Shape: Maintaining its shape and firmness even with extended use, TheraTurner not only provides a stable platform for rotation but also ensures a comfortable experience for both patient and caregiver.
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Side Handles for Added Safety: With built-in side handles, TheraTurner allows for controlled, gradual rotation, reducing the risk of sudden movements that could cause discomfort to the patient. It also facilitates the use of slings for safe hoist transfers, providing a complete and safe solution for rotation tasks.
TheraMulti: Patient Positioning Cushion
TheraMulti, another prominent member of the TheraMart family, addresses specific needs with its unique features:
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Full-Body Anatomical Adaptability: This versatile cushion naturally adapts to any part of the patient's body, providing support where it's needed most. Whether under the arms, neck, legs, back, hips, or even under the feet, TheraMulti offers comprehensive anatomical support.
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Hypoallergenic and Moisture-Wicking: TheraMulti's hypoallergenic cover wicks away moisture, protecting the patient's skin. Its breathable sideband enhances ventilation, contributing to the patient's overall well-being.
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Multifunctional Solution to Improve Quality of Life: TheraMulti not only addresses everyday needs but also improves the quality of life of bedridden patients. From caring for bedridden patients to caring for seniors and those with disabilities or reduced mobility, TheraMulti offers a versatile and convenient solution.
5. Promote Open Communication
Professional nurses emphasize the importance of open communication with patients and their families during the rotation process.
Maintaining ongoing dialogue helps understand each patient's specific needs , allowing for individualized adjustments to the rotation plan. Furthermore, effective communication helps establish a relationship of trust, which can have a positive impact on patient cooperation during the rotation and other aspects of care.
What did you think of these tips? Do you use them with your family members, or do you think they might help someone else right now? We look forward to your comments.
