When changing a resident to a side-lying position, which step should be performed first?

• A. Roll the resident onto their side.
• B. Give the resident the call light.
• C. Raise the bed if needed for work.
• D. Place a pillow under the resident's back.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is setting up the environment for safe, ergonomic repositioning. The first step before turning a resident to a side-lying position is to raise the bed to a comfortable working height. When the bed is at the right height, you can keep your back straight and bend at the hips and knees, not your back, which protects your spine and reduces strain. This also helps you control the resident’s movement more securely and prevents slipping or dropping them during the turn.

After the bed is raised, you would proceed with turning the resident to their side and then place pillows or supports to maintain alignment and comfort, while keeping the call light within reach. The other actions—giving the call light, or placing a pillow under the back—are important steps later in the process or for comfort, but they don’t create the safe setup your body needs to perform the move correctly.