The nurse is performing discharge teaching for a patient who has had major abdominal surgery.
Which statement or question by the nurse would be appropriate?

Choice A rationale:

Placing pillows under the patient's hips and knees before turning is a supportive measure but is not the nursing priority during the logrolling procedure. While it helps maintain proper body alignment, it is not the primary focus of the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

Turning the patient only to the right side and never to the left is incorrect. Patients should be turned gently and carefully to either side, depending on the situation and the patient's condition. Restricting the movement to only one side can cause discomfort and potential injury to the patient.

Choice C rationale:

Raising the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees before turning is a good practice to prevent aspiration and facilitate breathing. However, it is not the priority step when logrolling a patient. Proper body alignment and support are essential to prevent injuries during the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Keeping the head, neck, back, hips, and legs in alignment with each other is the nursing priority when logrolling a patient. This technique ensures that the patient's spine is supported and prevents twisting or bending, reducing the risk of injury. It is crucial for the healthcare provider to coordinate the movement carefully to maintain proper alignment throughout the procedure.