Positioning and drapping

Question 1

What should proper positioning do for the patient?

Answer 1

• Provide patient comfort- Support and stability for trunk, extremities
• allow access /exposure to administer a test
• Prevent joint contractures and allow for full range of motion if possible
• Prevent pressure on bony prominences that could result in pressure sores
• Prevent pressure on circulatory, neurological structures
• Elevate body part for edema management

Question 2

How often should your reposition when lying and then when seated?

Answer 2

At least every 2 hrs when lying and every 10 minutes in a seated position
Always check new position after 5-10 minutes

Question 3

When should you change positions and what should you do when you change positions?

Answer 3

-Change position if patient expressed discomfort
-Protect bony prominences
-Monitor sensation
-Monitor change in resp/circ
-Observe for skin changes/edema when moving: need to look before changing so that you can tell if anything changes

Question 4

What is the rationale for draping?

Answer 4

-Provide modesty
-Maintain appropriate body temperature
-Provide access and exposure to areas being treated while protecting other areas
-Protects skin and clothing from being soiled or damaged (I.E a towel when massaging)
-Certain ethnicities/ethnic groups may require other modifications