Procedure 13: Logrolling the Patient
NOTE - Answer This procedure is performed when the patient's spinal column must be
kept straight, such as following spinal surgery or spinal cord or vertebral column injury.
It is a good procedure to use with any dependent patient.
Step 1 - Answer Carry out each initial procedure action.
Step 2 - Answer Get help from another nursing assistant.
Step 3 - Answer Raise the bed to waist-high horizontal position. Lock the wheels.
Step 4 - Answer Lower the side rail on the side opposite to which the patient will be
turned. Both assistants should be on the same side of the bed.
Step 5 - Answer One assistant places hands under the patient's head and shoulders.
The second person places the hands under the hips and legs. Then move the patient as
a unit toward you.
Step 6 - Answer Place a pillow lengthwise between the legs. Fold the patient's arm over
the chest.
Step 7 - Answer Raise the side rail. Check for security.
Step 8 - Answer Go to the opposite side of the bed and lower the side rail.
Step 9 - Answer Turning the patient to the side may be done by:
a. Using a turning sheet that was previously placed under the patient.
● Reach over the patient, grasping and rolling the turning sheet toward the patient
.● One nursing assistant should be positioned beside the patient to keep the shoulders
and hips straight.
● A second assistant should be positioned to keep the thighs and lower legs straight.
b. If a turning sheet is not in position, the first assistant should position hands on the
patient's far shoulder and hips.
● Second assistant positions hands on the patient's far thigh and lower leg.
Step 10 - Answer At a specified signal, roll the patient toward both assistants in a single
movement, keeping the spine, head, and legs straight. If a turning sheet is used, grasp
the sheet and move the patient as a unit, onto her side.
Step 11 - Answer Place additional pillows behind the back to maintain the patient's
position. A small pillow or folded bath blanket may be permitted under the patient's head
and neck. Leave a pillow between the legs. Position small pillows or folded towels to
support the arms.
Step 12 - Answer Carry out each ending procedure action.
NOTE - Answer This procedure is performed when the patient's spinal column must be
kept straight, such as following spinal surgery or spinal cord or vertebral column injury.
It is a good procedure to use with any dependent patient.
Step 1 - Answer Carry out each initial procedure action.
Step 2 - Answer Get help from another nursing assistant.
Step 3 - Answer Raise the bed to waist-high horizontal position. Lock the wheels.
Step 4 - Answer Lower the side rail on the side opposite to which the patient will be
turned. Both assistants should be on the same side of the bed.
Step 5 - Answer One assistant places hands under the patient's head and shoulders.
The second person places the hands under the hips and legs. Then move the patient as
a unit toward you.
Step 6 - Answer Place a pillow lengthwise between the legs. Fold the patient's arm over
the chest.
Step 7 - Answer Raise the side rail. Check for security.
Step 8 - Answer Go to the opposite side of the bed and lower the side rail.
Step 9 - Answer Turning the patient to the side may be done by:
a. Using a turning sheet that was previously placed under the patient.
● Reach over the patient, grasping and rolling the turning sheet toward the patient
.● One nursing assistant should be positioned beside the patient to keep the shoulders
and hips straight.
● A second assistant should be positioned to keep the thighs and lower legs straight.
b. If a turning sheet is not in position, the first assistant should position hands on the
patient's far shoulder and hips.
● Second assistant positions hands on the patient's far thigh and lower leg.
Step 10 - Answer At a specified signal, roll the patient toward both assistants in a single
movement, keeping the spine, head, and legs straight. If a turning sheet is used, grasp
the sheet and move the patient as a unit, onto her side.
Step 11 - Answer Place additional pillows behind the back to maintain the patient's
position. A small pillow or folded bath blanket may be permitted under the patient's head
and neck. Leave a pillow between the legs. Position small pillows or folded towels to
support the arms.
Step 12 - Answer Carry out each ending procedure action.
