Day 4

Dressing a Patient
with a weak right side

Identifying and dressing a patient with a weak right side are considered an important part of a nursing assistant’s responsibility. A nursing assistant may become confused due to lack of experience or knowledge in caring for patients with physical weakness. The prevailing fact that dressing a patient is an unfamiliar task to a nursing assistant makes it necessary for CNA instructors to teach them how it is done.

The nursing assistant will assist the patient in dressing. Dressing a patient with a weak right side is an essential part of nursing assistant training. Due to being unfamiliar with the procedure, the nursing assistant will master this skill through proper instruction.

The CNA is asked to put a long-sleeved button-front shirt, pants, and socks on a resident who is lying in bed. The resident is not able to help with the dressing and has a weak arm. A mannequin is used for the role of the resident.
Shirt that Buttons / Pants / Socks + Table Top Towel

Bath Blanket is NOT Required.

Only put on clean sock, no shoes as you will leave then in the bed. You may say to Nurse, I will place shoes on when I bring the patient up to sitting position.

ALL buttons must be buttoned, zippers zipped, ties tied. Dress them and leave them in the bed. Shoes are NOT REQUIRED, just clean socks.

Show them the cloths as ASK, is this outfit ok for you today?

REMOVE CLOTHS from the STRONG SIDE FIRST / Then remove DIRTY on Weak Side

Put Clean Cloths on the WEAK SIDE FIRST / Then put CLEAN on Strong Side

Dress the resident gently and naturally. Do not force or over extend limbs.

Roll from right to left when putting on pants pulling up with each roll.

Make sure all buttons and zippers are fastened properly then put on socks and shoes.

You must BUTTON.. SNAP…. ZIP….. or TIE… everything!

Do NOT call the patient honey or sweetie always be RESPECTFUL.

 

Procedure:
1) Opening procedure – No gloves
2) Before You Start:
“Ask resident if the clothes chosen are what they would like to wear today?”
3) Remove resident’s gown starting with the strong side then move to the weak side.
4) Assist the resident to put the weak side through the clean gown then move to the strong side.
5) Dress the resident gently and naturally. Do not force or over extend limbs. Roll from right to left when putting on pants pulling up with each roll.
6) Ensure that all buttons and zippers are fastened properly and then put on socks and shoes.
7) Socks / Shoes Optional
8) Place the dirty gown in the hamper.
Closing Procedure