Positions Flashcards
Woman in labor with un-reassuring FHR (late decels, decreased variability, fetal tachycardia, etc. )
Turn on LEFT side, give O2, stop pitocin, increase IV fluids.
Air/Pulmonary embolism
(S & S : chest pain, difficulty breathing, tachycardia, pale/ cyanotic, sense of impending doom)
Turn pt to LEFT side and LOWER the head of the bed.
Tube feeding with decreased LOC (loss of consciousness)
Position pt on RIGHT side (promotes empty of the stomach) with the HOB (head of bed) elevated (to prevent aspiration)
During epidural puncture
Side lying
After lumber puncture (and also oil-based Myelogram)
Pt lies in FLAT SUPINE (to prevent headache and leaking of CSF)
Pt with heat stroke
Lie FLAT with LEGS ELEVATED
During continuous bladder irrigation
Catheter is taped to thigh so leg should be kept straight. No other positioning restrictions.
After Myringotomy
Position on side of AFFECTED EAR after surgery (allows drainage of secretions)
After cataract surgery
Pt will sleep on UNAFFECTED SIDE with a night shield for 1-4 weeks.
After thyroidectomy
Low or SEMI-FLOWERS, support head, neck and shoulders.
Infant with spina bifida
Position PRONE (on abdomen) so that sac does not rupture.
Bucks traction (skin traction)
Elevate foot of bed for counter-traction.
After total hip replacement
Don’t sleep in operated side, don’t flex hip more than 45-60 degree, don’t elevate HOB more than 45 degrees. Maintain hip abduction by separating thighs with pillows.
Prolapse cord
Knee-chest position or Trendelenburg.
Infant with cleft lip
Position on back or in infant seat to prevent trauma to suture line. While feeding, hold in upright position.
To prevent dumping syndrome (post-operative ulcer/ stomach surgeries)
Eat in reclining position, lie down after meals for 20-30 minutes (also restrict fluids during meals, low CHO and fiber diet, small frequent meals).
Above knee amputation
Elevate for first 24 hours on pillow, position prone daily to provide for hip extension.
Below knee amputation
Foot of bed elevated for first 24 hours, position prone daily to provide for hip extension.
Detached retina
Area of detachment should be in the dependent position.
Administration of enema
Position pt in LEFT SIDE-LYING (Sims) with knee flexed.
After supratentorial surgery (incision behind hairline)
Elevate HOB 30-45 degrees.
After infratentorial surgery (incision at nape of neck)
Position pt FLAT and lateral on either side.
During internal radiaition
On BEDREST while implant in place.
Autonomic dysreflexia/ Hyperreflexia (S&S : pounding headache, profuse sweating, nasal congestion, goose flesh, bradycardia, hypertension)
Place client in SITTING POSITION (ELEVATE HOB) FIRST BEFORE ANY OTHER IMPLEMENTATION.
