This article reviews the evidence related to frequency of manual turning and turning positions in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

In acute care settings and intensive care units (ICUs), quality of care for bedfast patients is under increased scrutiny. With reimbursement for avoidable iatrogenic stage III and IV pressure ulcers and catheter-related urinary tract infections eliminated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,1 strategies to reduce complications of bed rest are ongoing priorities for bedside nurses and advance practice nurses (APNs).

The purpose of this article is to review the data related to frequency of manual turning and turning positions among adults who are receiving mechanical ventilation in ICUs. From this review, bedside nurses and APNs will have a better understanding of the benefits and risks of frequent manual turning and why new evidence must be developed for optimal care of patients in the ICU.

Manual turning is prescribed...

You do not currently have access to this content.