When turning a dependent resident in lateral position toward you, what is the correct hand placement?

• A. Reach across the resident and place one hand on the shoulder and one on the hip, with back straight and hips and knees bent.
• B. Push from the bed with both hands on the headboard.
• C. Lift under the arms to roll the resident.
• D. Place hands under the resident's knees.

Answer: (A)

Turning a dependent resident safely requires good body mechanics and controlled guidance of the resident’s trunk. When turning toward you, reach across the resident and place one hand on the shoulder and the other on the hip on the near side. This grip gives you firm control of both the upper body and pelvis, so you can guide the roll smoothly without jerking. Keep your back straight and bend at the hips and knees, not at the back, so you use your leg muscles to generate the lift and pivot rather than putting strain on your spine. This position helps maintain proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine in the new lateral position and minimizes risk to both you and the resident.

Other methods don’t provide the same controlled rotation or protect your back as effectively. Pushing from the bed with hands on the headboard relies on arm strength and creates awkward leverage that can strain your back and disturb the resident. Lifting under the arms can injure your shoulders and isn’t the safest way to roll a dependent resident. Placing hands under the knees doesn’t give you control of the upper body and pelvis and can lead to poor alignment or incomplete turning.