Definition
Assisting a patient to a sitting position—especially from lying in bed—is a fundamental nursing skill that promotes comfort, circulation, respiratory function, and independence.
Purposes
- To maintain good body mechanics.
- To perform activities of daily living with assistance.
- To promote circulatory and respiratory function.
- To assess neurological and cardiovascular response.
- To prevent complications of immobility.
- To improve comfort and digestion.
Procedure
| Nursing action | Rationale | |
| 1 | Before procedure Explain to the patient that he will be assisted to sitting position. | Prepares him to accept the new position knowing how it would help. |
| 2 | During procedure Place the patient in side lying position, facing you on the side of the bed on which the patient will be sitting. | Prepares patient to move to the sitting position |
| 3 | Raise the head of the bed to the highest level possible as patient is able to tolerate | Decreases the amount of work needed by the patient and nurse to raise patient to sitting position. |
| 4 | Stand opposite to patient’s hip and turn diagonal so that you are facing patient and far corner of foot of the bed | Facing in the direction of work reduces twisting motion |
| 5 | Place feet apart with one foot close to head of bed in front of other foot. | Increases balance and enables you to transfer weight as you change position of patient. |
| 6 | Place arm nearer the head of bed under shoulder supporting head and neck of the patient. | Maintains good body alignment. |
| 7 | Place other hand over patient’s thighs. | Support Hip and prevents falling |
| 8 | Move patient’s lower leg and feet over side of bed. | Decreases resistance and friction. |
| 9 | Pivot towards your rear leg allowing the patient’s upper leg to swing downward. | Allows you to transfer weight in the direction of motion. |
| 10 | At the same time shift your weight to the rear leg and elevate the patient. | Reduce risk of falling. |
| 11 | Remaining in front of the patient till balance is regained. | Reduce risk of falling. |
| 12 | Support patient’s feet on the floor or on foot board. | This allows patients to sit comfortably. |
| 13 | Straighten patient’s cloth and bed linen. | Allows for neat appearance and improved self-esteem. |
| 14 | After procedure Assess patient’s position and comfort frequently or as required. | |
| 15 | Assess vital signs as indicated by patient’s health status. |
Special Considerations
- Orthostatic hypotension: Watch for dizziness or pallor—move slowly and pause if needed.
- Post-surgical or frail patients: Use additional support or a second caregiver.
- Cognitive impairment: Provide clear, simple instructions and reassurance.
- Mobility aids: Have walkers or gait belts ready if ambulation is planned.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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