Patient Positioning Flashcards
1
Q
Supine Position:
- Indications
- Risks
- Cardiovascular Changes
- Respiratory Changes
- Cranial Changes
A
- Provides easy access to airway, IVs, less physiological changes
- Pillow under head; avoid felxion or extension due to brachial plexus stretch; arms abducted <90 degrees, supinated; slight leg flexion (watch DVTs if pillow under knees)
- Minimal overall; Will have initial increased VR, then increases parasympathetic compensation ( 🔽 HR, PVR) Eventual reduced VR due to pooling; careful for IVC compression in pregnant, ascites, obese
- FRC decreases 800ml due to diaphragm displacement;
- Minimal; auto regulation tight
2
Q
Trendelenburg Position:
- Indications
- Risks
- Cardiovascular Changes
- Respiratory Changes
- Cranial Changes
A
- Can prevent air embolism; short term hypotension tx; upward displacement of abd cavity contents
- Brachial plexus injury; shoulder brace lateral over acromium process
- Increases VR up to 1L; baroreceptors activates; only use short term for shock
- Decreases compliance, PIP, FRC; VQ mismatch at apex (perfusion>ventilation); risk of aspiration
- Increases ICP; intraocular pressure
3
Q
Reverse Trendelenburg:
- Indications
- Risks
- Cardiovascular Changes
- Respiratory Changes
- Cranial Changes
A
- Enhances view of upper abd contents (laparoscopy, cholesystectomy)
- Watch for foot drop and excessive flex ion
- Reduces VR; preload, CO, BP; compensatory mech blunted by anesthetics
- Ventilation easier; increases FRC and diaphragmatic excursion
- Blood flow decrease, ICP down 20%
4
Q
Lithotomy Position:
- Indications
- Risks
- Cardiovascular Changes
- Respiratory Changes
- Cranial Changes
A
- GYN, GU, rectal procedures
- Avoid flexion beyond 110; common perineal nerve most commonly damaged lower extremity nerve
- Leg elevation increases VR; perfusion change 2 mmHg per every 2.5cm above heart
- Decreases diaphragm excursion; ⬇️ compliance, TV,
VC - Transient increase in blood flow
5
Q
Prone Position:
- Indications
- Risks
- Cardiovascular Changes
- Respiratory Changes
- Cranial Changes
A
- Usually cranial surgery; Have Wilson frame (free-hanging abd); prepare pt on stretcher before trans
- Neck alignment, pressure on eyes, nose; corneal abrasion/pressure, blindness; line/ET displacement;
- Thoracic outlet syndrome; IVC and aortic compression hypotension; ⬇️ CO and BP, especially on initial move
- VQ mismatch; post vent>perf; ant perf>vent; ⬆️ PIP,
work of breathing - Obstruct venous outflow if head turned; increases ICP
6
Q
Most commonly damaged nerve
A
Ulnar
7
Q
Main nerves of the arm
A
Ulnar, medial, radial
8
Q
Common Brachial Plexus Injury Mechanisms (5 items)
A
- Neck extension
- Arm abduction >90
- Arm falling of table
- Depressed shoulders (prone/reverse Tren)
- Compression against thorax (lateral)
9
Q
Radial Nerve Compression:
- Common causes
- Symptoms
A
- Surgical retractors, ether screen, BP inflation
2. Loss of extension of forearm, wrist drop (loss of hand extension), loss of sensation in lateral arm
10
Q
Ulnar Nerve Compression:
- Common causes
- Symptoms
A
- Most common injury; severe elbow flexion; compression against bed; BP inflation
- Loss of grip, inability to abduct or feel 4/5th finger; atrophy (claw hand)
11
Q
Common Peroneal Nerve
- Location/Innervation
- Injury Mechanism
- Symptoms
A
- Branch of sciatic, innervates outer calf; most common lower extremity injury
- Compression of lateral knee (lithotomy or lateral)
- Foot drop; inability to evert foot or dorsiflex toes
12
Q
Popliteal Nerve Injury
- Location/Innervation
- Injury Mechanism
A
- Branch of sciatic that innervates back of knee
2. Compression behind knee (lithotomy)
13
Q
Sciatic Nerve
- Location/Innervation
- Injury Mechanism
- Symptoms
A
- Runs from buttock through lower limb
- Excessive rotation of hips; pressure on sciatic notch (posterior buttocks)
- Weakness or paralysis of muscles below knee; foot drop
14
Q
Femoral Nerve Injury
- Location/Innervation
- Injury Mechanism
- Symptoms
A
- Runs length of internal thigh
- Compression at pelvic brim; excessive angulation/abduction of thighs and external rotation (lithotomy)
- Loss of flexion at hip; loss of extension of knee; decreased thigh sensation
15
Q
Saphenous Nerve Injury
- Location/Innervation
- Injury Mechanism
- Symptoms
A
- Medial aspect of the thigh and lower leg; branch of
femoral nerve - Compression of medial aspect of leg against support bar (lithotomy)
- Parathesia medial and antemedial part of calf