Positioning Flashcards
Understanding Positioning
Goal: What am I trying to accomplish?
A&P: How do positions affect pt’s A&P?
Position: Which position is best?
Low Fowler’s
HOB 15-30 degrees
Used for resting
Semi-Fowler’s
HOB 30-45 degrees
Opens thoracic space
High Fowler’s
HOB 90 degrees
Indications: RODENT
Reduce aspiration risk
Oral intake (eating and swallowing)
Defecating
Easy breathing/Embolism (pulmonary)
NG tube placement
Taking x-rays
Fowler’s
HOB 45-60 degrees
Orthopneic Position
Tri-Poding
Client leaning forward
Thoracic expansion (useful for Asthma or COPD)
Supine
Facing up, flat
Resting, intraoperative, assessment
Prone
Facing down
Drains secretions
Allows full flexion of hip joints (prevents contractions during prolonged bedrest)
Right Lateral Recumbent
Puts pressure on R side
Promotes gastric emptying
Reduced reflux
Left Lateral Recumbent
Puts pressure in L side
Increases blood flow to placenta during pregnancy
Trendelenburg
Head down, feet up
Promotes venous return (ex: hypotension)
Shifts fetus off prolapsed umbilical cord
Reverse Trendelenburg
For GI problems (reflux)
Preparing for sitting/standing after prolonged bedrest
Sims
Prevent aspiration
Reduce reflux
Insertion of suppository or enema
Prevent skin breakdown
Best position for cleft lip/palate
Up right for feedings
Post-op
Palate can be prone
Lip cannot be prone (to protect sutures)
Best position for air embolism
Durant’s maneuver (Left Lateral Trendelenburg)
*Traps air embolism in the right heart, prevents it from traveling to lungs
