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Lateral (Side-Lying) Position

Written by Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN
Amanda is a BSN/RN with a MS in Physiology and a BA in English. She worked as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry for 11 years before pursuing a career in nursing. She now works as a nurse on a NeuroTelemetry unit and continues to write and edit on a freelance basis. Amanda’s LinkedIn

The lateral, or side-lying, position is often comfortable for patients when they wish to sleep or relax.

Achieving Lateral Position

  1. Start with the patient lying supine (flat on their back) with the body in proper alignment.
  2. Stand on the side of the bed opposite the direction the patient will be facing and raise the bed to a comfortable working height. Lower the side rail. Move first the upper trunk (shoulders and chest), then the lower trunk (abdomen and hips) toward you. A draw sheet can also be used for this movement. Raise the side rail.
  3. Walk to the other side of the bed (the one the patient will be facing). Lower the side rail.
  4. Bend the patient’s knee that will be on top once the patient is on their side.
  5. On the side that will be on top (away from the mattress), place one hand on the patient’s shoulder and the other hand on the hip and roll the patient toward you until they are on their side.
  6. Place a pillow under the patient’s head to maintain proper alignment.
  7. The patient’s arms should be slightly flexed with a pillow supporting the upper arm in line with that shoulder.
  8. Place a pillow behind the patient’s back to help them stay in position.
  9. Place a pillow under the slightly bent upper leg to maintain alignment with the hip.
  10. Ask the patient if they are comfortable. Make adjustments as necessary.
  11. Document the position per institutional or unit policy. Report any difficulty getting the patient into position or maintaining position to the nurse per policy.

References

Activity and mobility. (2014). In A. G. Perry, P. A. Potter, and W. R. Ostendorf (Eds), Clinical nursing skills & techniques (8th ed., pp. 210-216). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.

More Resources

Using a Gait / Transfer Belt to Assist the Resident to Ambulate

Walking (aka, ambulating) helps residents maintain mobility and independence, and prevents complications. However, ambulation must be done safely so that the resident does not have a fall or injury. A gait or transfer belt, when properly used, can increase resident safety. Gait belts can vary between facilities, so make sure you know how to use the one in your facility.

Dressing and Undressing a Patient

Patients who have suffered a stroke or have weakness or injury to one side of their body may struggle with dressing and undressing. In order to help these patients regain their strength and independence, it is important that the nurse’s aide only assist them as needed. The nurse’s aide may need to teach patients how to dress and undress safely with their limitations.

Performing Ostomy Care

Residents who have had a portion of their intestines removed due to illness or trauma may have a temporary or permanent ostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen that is created for the elimination of urine or feces. The portion of the intestine that is connected to the abdominal wall and is visible is called the stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect feces.

Collecting a Stool Specimen

Stool specimens are collected to test for a variety of disorders from colon cancer to parasites. While it is not the most pleasant job, it is important that the collection is done correctly for accurate results.

Indwelling Catheter Care

Indwelling catheters allow urine to drain from the bladder. They are used when residents are unable to urinate on their own or when the process of cleaning the resident after urination would be difficult for the resident to tolerate (such as during end of life care). Caring for the catheter appropriately is a vital part of preventing infection and skin breakdown.

Handwashing for CNAs

Handwashing is considered the single most important practice to prevent the spread of infection. Even when hands look clean, they could potentially be crawling with dangerous microorganisms and pathogens. Using soap and friction during handwashing helps loosen the oils on the skin, allowing dirt and pathogens to be rinsed away.

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