5. Patient Positioning

Question 1

Why is it important to properly position your patient?

Answer 1

provide adequate exposure of the surgical site
Provide sufficient access to the patient for monitoring vital signs

Question 2

Why is it important to properly secure the animal to the table?

Answer 2

Aids in aseptic preparation of the surgical site
Ensures that the surgeon has an immobile subject

Question 3

When you position your patient, what must you keep in mind?

Answer 3

Positioning determined by procedure
Animal limbs may be tied to table
Body may be braced by v-trough or sandbags
Head/neck/abdomen may need to be elevated using a foam rubber tube or rolled towels
Patients legs should not be forced to bend or extend beyond their natural anatomic limitations
bony promincences would be cushioned to protect against excessive compression