Patient Handling

Question 1

Recumbent Position

Answer 1

Lying flat on the back, with one pillow. This is the usual for complete rest and spinal injuries.

Question 2

Semi-Recumbent Position

Answer 2

A comfortable position for most patients. It assists in various illnesses and injuries, respiratory and heart conditions.

Question 3

Upright Position

Answer 3

Often used in respiratory illness, lung or heart diseases, where the patient is having difficulty breathing. Same as the semi-recumbent position except that the torso is vertical.

Question 4

Lower Limbs Raised

Answer 4

Elevation of the lower limbs to assist in control of bleeding.

Question 5

Fowler Position - “Lazy W”

Answer 5

This position relaxes tension of the abdominal muscles in peritonitis, appendicitis and some abdominal injuries or medical conditions.

Question 6

Head Low, Feet and Body Raised - Trendelenburg

Answer 6

Used when the patient has lost a large amount of blood. The position assists the flow of blood to the head. Avoid the position if the patient has a head injury.

Question 7

Recovery Position

Answer 7

For unconscious patients, it allows postural drainage and prevents the tongue obstructing the airway.

Question 8

Patient Inclined to Left or Right Side

Answer 8

Assists in the treatment of pleurisy, chest injury, pneumonia and allows maximum movement of the sound lung.