The nurse is preparing to massage a client’s back. Place in order the

The nurse is preparing to massage a client’s back. Place in order the steps the nurse will follow, after conducting hand hygiene and preparing the client, to perform the back massage.

1. Move the hands down the sides of the back.
2. Pour lotion into the palms of the hands to warm the lotion.
3. Massage the areas over the right and left iliac crests.
4. Move the hands up the center of the back.
5. With the palms, massage the sacral area with smooth, circular strokes.
6. Move the hands to the scapulae and massage this region using circular strokes.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2, 5, 4, 6,1, 3
Rationale: To perform a back massage, the nurse should: (1) pour a small amount of lotion into the palms of the hands and hold for a minute to warm; (2) with the palms, begin in the sacral area using smooth, circular strokes; (3) move the hands up the center of the back; (4) move the hands to the scapulae and massage this region using circular strokes; (5) move the hands down the sides of the back; and (6) massage the areas over the right and left iliac crests.