A nurse is teaching a client about logrolling while in bed. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A.
“Logrolling helps prevent friction when you are repositioned.”
B.
“Logrolling will keep your spine in alignment.”
C.
“You should keep your arms at your sides while logrolling”
D.
“The head of your bed will be elevated prior to logrolls”
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. “Logrolling will keep your spine in alignment.”
Explanation:
Logrolling is a technique used primarily to move patients who have had spinal surgery, back injuries, or any condition that requires the spine to be kept in alignment during repositioning. The main purpose of logrolling is to maintain the straight alignment of the spine while turning the patient. This prevents any twisting or bending of the spinal column, which could result in further injury or discomfort.
In the logrolling technique, the patient is turned in one smooth, continuous motion, keeping the head, neck, and torso aligned. This technique requires the coordinated effort of two or more healthcare providers to ensure that the entire body moves as a single unit. This alignment is crucial in avoiding any strain or stress on the spinal cord or vertebrae, especially in patients with spinal injuries, after spinal surgery, or who are at risk of spinal cord damage.
Let’s examine the other options:
- Option A: “Logrolling helps prevent friction when you are repositioned.” While logrolling may reduce friction to some extent, the primary goal is spinal alignment, not friction prevention. Friction can be minimized using draw sheets or specialized equipment, but this is not the primary purpose of logrolling.
- Option C: “You should keep your arms at your sides while logrolling.” While keeping arms at the sides can help facilitate a smooth roll, it is not essential. The key focus is maintaining spinal alignment, and arm position can vary depending on the patient’s condition and comfort.
- Option D: “The head of your bed will be elevated prior to logrolls.” This is incorrect because the head of the bed is usually kept flat during logrolling to maintain proper spinal alignment. Elevating the head could compromise the straight alignment of the spine, which defeats the purpose of the technique.
Therefore, the correct teaching point is that logrolling will keep the client’s spine in alignment (Option B), which is essential for preventing complications and promoting healing in patients with spinal issues.