Question

the nurse is assisting a client with limited mobility to turn in bed. after successfully turning the client to the side, where would the nurse place an additional pillow?

supporting the clients back
in front of the clients abdomen
under the clients head
under the clients feet

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

The scenario describes a nurse assisting a client with limited mobility to turn onto their side (lateral position). The goal is to identify the correct placement of an additional pillow to maintain alignment, stability, and comfort in this specific position.

Evaluate the options based on positioning principles

Using the Patient Positioning knowledge point:

• supporting the client's back: Placing a pillow behind the client's back provides support, prevents them from rolling back into a supine position, and maintains lateral alignment.
• in front of the client's abdomen: While a pillow can sometimes be held by a client, it does not provide the primary structural support needed to keep a client with limited mobility stabilized on their side.
• under the client's head: A pillow is already under the head; adding an "additional" pillow here is not the priority for stabilizing the lateral trunk.
• under the client's feet: Placing a pillow under the feet does not support the lateral alignment of the spine or trunk.

Determine the priority intervention

Using the Patient Positioning knowledge point:
To secure a client in the lateral position and prevent them from rolling backward, a supportive pillow must be tucked firmly against the client's back. This maintains the lateral position and reduces muscular strain.

Answer:

• supporting the client's back (Correct answer)
• in front of the client's abdomen
• under the client's head
• under the client's feet