Chapter 7: Moving and positioning
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7.5 Moving a patient from sitting to standing: assisting the patient
Essential equipment
- Personal protective equipment
- Walking aid (if required)
- Suitable non‐slip, well‐fitting, supportive and flat footwear (if not available then bare feet are preferable to socks or stockings, which may slip)
Pre‐procedure
ActionRationale
- 1.
Introduce yourself to the patient, explain and discuss the procedure with them, and gain their consent to proceed.To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [91], C).
- 2.Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol‐based handrub.
- 3.Ask or assist the patient to put on their shoes.To reduce the risk of falls (Treadwell [123], E).
- 4.Ensure walking aids are positioned and ready to use.To reduce the risk of falls (Treadwell [123], E).
- 5.Disconnect any unnecessary lines and attachments, or ensure they have plenty of slack.To reduce the risk of falls (Treadwell [123], E).
Procedure
- 6.Ask the patient to lean forwards and ‘shuffle’ (by transferring their weight from side to side) and bring their bottom closer to the front of the chair or edge of the bed.To bring the patient's weight over their feet. E
- 7.Ask the patient to move their feet back so they are slightly tucked under the chair or bed with their feet hip‐width apart.To provide a stable base prior to moving. E
- 8.Instruct the patient to lean forwards from their trunk (Action figure 7.6).To help initiate movement. ETo facilitate a normal pattern of movement. E
- 9.Instruct the patient to push through their hands on the arms of the chair or surface of the bed as they stand. Encourage a forward and upward motion while extending their hips and knees (Action figure 7.7).To minimize energy expenditure and maximize safety. E
- 10.Once the patient is standing, provide aids as required and ask the patient to stand still for a moment to ensure balance is achieved before they attempt to walk.To ensure safe, static standing and reduce the risk of falling. E
Post‐procedure
- 11.Document the details of the procedure.To fulfil the legal requirements of the professional body and employing institution (NMC [91], C).To communicate ability and assessment to other healthcare professionals. E
Figure 7.6 Preparing to stand from sitting.
Figure 7.7 Sitting to standing from a chair.
Figure 7.6 Preparing to stand from sitting.
Figure 7.7 Sitting to standing from a chair.
