What is the first action when positioning a client on their side?

• A. Rail up + lower bed
• B. Pillow on rail side
• C. Cross arms + legs = slowly turn to side
• D. Adjust head pillow

Answer: (A)

Safety and proper body mechanics guide the first action when repositioning someone to their side. Raising the side rail on the side toward which you will move provides a barrier to prevent a fall as you turn the resident. Lowering the bed to a safe, workable height then allows you to perform the turn with better control and less strain on your back. After these safety adjustments, you can position limbs and pillows for comfort and alignment, and then adjust the head pillow as needed. The other options focus on comfort or technique rather than securing safety first.