Procedure in Dangling Patient at the Bedside

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR RATIONALE

Lower the bed and lock the wheels. The lower position is safer for the patient
Assist the patient to a lateral position when dangling. Locking the wheels
facing the nurse. prevents the bed from moving.

Raise the head of the bed to about 60º Raising the head of the bed decreases the
distance that the patient needs to move to
sit up.
Stand opposite the patient’s hips, facing
the bottom far corner of the bed. This position enhances balance and
Assume a broad stance with the prevents twisting the body.
foot nearest the bottom of the bed to
the rear.
Place one hand under the patient’s
shoulder to the back and the other In this way the patient cannot fall
arm over the thigh, resting on the backward.
posterior aspect.
Place the patient’s feet and legs just
over the edge of the bed. This position prevents the feet from
resisting the sitting-up movement.
In the motion, swing the legs just over
the side of the bed and pull the The nurse’s weight counteracts the
patient’s torso upright. Use thigh patient’s weight.
muscles for leverage when pulling.
Maintain support of the patient until he
or she is balanced and comfortable.

Assess the patient for dizziness or

lightheadedness.
The movement may cause the patient feel
Dangle patient for few minutes before faint.
transferring to a chair or
ambulating.