Positioning

Question 1

Supine Position

Answer 1

The supine position is where the patient is placed flat on their back. The head and the spine will be lying on the support surface with the legs extended.

Question 2

Supine position use:

Answer 2

sleeping
a lumbar puncture (can sometimes help prevent a headache)
cardiac procedures (heart cath via the femoral artery)
abdominal surgeries including c-sections
a head-to-toe assessment

Question 3

Supine position considerations:

Answer 3

pressure injuries
foot drop

Question 4

Prone Position

Answer 4

In the prone position, patients lie flat on their stomach. The head can be turned to either the left or right side and the legs are extended.

Question 5

Prone position use:

Answer 5

suffering from respiratory issues like ARDS and COVID-19

It enhances gas exchange, mobilizes secretions, and reduces the heart’s workload.

Question 6

Prone Position considerations

Answer 6

ear pressure injuries,
tube dislodgment, or blockage, making airway maintenance challenging, ocular injury,
brachial plexus damage.

Question 7

severe hypertension

Answer 7

the recommended position is seated with their back supported, feet flat on the floor, and their arm resting at heart level

Question 8

severe hypotension

Answer 8

the Trendelenburg position, where the head is lowered and the feet are elevated, which aims to increase venous return to the heart and potentially raise blood pressure by utilizing gravity to promote blood flow from the legs to the core.

Question 9

increased intracranial pressure (ICP)

Answer 9

to elevate the head of the bed to a moderate degree (typically 30 degrees) to facilitate venous drainage and reduce ICP; this means keeping the neck in a neutral position and avoiding extreme flexion or extension.