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ExamReady CNA
All skills
Safety & Mobility

Positioning on Side

Position the resident on their side, supported by pillows, with bony prominences off the mattress. Use a turning sheet. The bed should be at waist height for the CNA. Bed rails: only if the care plan says so.

5 minutes•12 steps•0 critical
30° lateral, pillows supporting, pressure points off — that's the pass.

Why this matters

30° lateral, pillows supporting, pressure points off — that's the pass.

Quick tips

  • You stand on the side opposite the raised rail. The client rolls away from you, toward the rail.
  • Support the back, the top arm and the knees so the client stays on their side and bony spots do not press on each other.
  • For clients who cannot shift themselves, many facilities reposition about every two hours; follow the care plan, which may be more often. Report any redness to the nurse.

Common mistakes

  • Rolling the client toward you with the rail down on the far side. The client rolls toward an open edge, so they could roll out of bed.
  • Leaving the client lying on their lower arm. Body weight presses on that arm and shoulder.
  • Using only a pillow behind the back and nothing between the knees. Knees and ankles press on each other.
  • Turning with the head of the bed still raised. The client slides and the turn is not a clean roll.