A nurse is caring for a client with a herniated disc who has undergone a lumbar laminectomy and diskectomy at L4-5. When assisting the client to move in bed, the nurse should include what specific technique?

While bending the knees helps with body mechanics, twisting the spine should still be avoided. Moving the hips and legs first could lead to twisting the spine if not done correctly, so the spine must be kept aligned during all movements. The client should avoid pulling on side rails or assisting with movement until fully cleared by the physician, as this could put unnecessary strain on the spine. It is essential to maintain spinal alignment and prevent twisting of the spine during repositioning. The client should be turned as one unit to minimize strain on the healing vertebrae.