Positions Flashcards
Signs and symptoms of air/pulmonary embolism
Chest pain Difficulty breathing Tachycardia Pale/Cyanotic Sense of impending doom
What do we do as the nurse for air/pulmonary embolism
Turn patient to the LEFT side and LOWER the head of the bed
Signs and symptoms of a woman in labor with a baby who has an unreassuring FHR
Late decels
Fetal bradycardia
Decreased variability
What do we do for a woman in labor who has an unreassuring FHR
Turn to the LEFT side
Give O2
Stop the Pitocin
Increase IV fluids (LR and NS)
What position is someone in for an epidural puncture
Side-lying
What position is the patient in AFTER a lumbar puncture (and also oil-based myelogram)
Have the pt lie Flat and Supine to prevent CSF from leaking out and prevent a headache
What do we do if a patient has decreased LOC during tube feeding
Position the patient on the RIGHT side (to increase gastric emptying) and RAISE the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees (to prevent aspiration)
Position for a patient with a CBI
The catheter is taped to the patients leg so the leg should be kept straight, but there are no other positioning limitations
Position of a patient after a myringotomy
What is a myringotomy?
Position the patient on the side of the AFFECTED EAR after surgery to allow for drainage of secretions.
This procedure is surgical incision into the eardrum (tympanic membrane), to relieve pressure or drain fluid.
Position of a patient after cataract surgery
Patient should sleep on the UNAFFECTED side and have a night shield for 1-4 weeks
Position of a patient after a thyroidectomy
Low or semi-fowlers. Support the head, neck, and shoulders. Have a trach at the bedside
Position of an infant with spina bifida
Prone! So their sac does not rupture
Position of a patient with bucks traction
Elevate the food of the bed for counter traction
Position of a patient after total hip replacement
Do not sleep on the operated side. No flexing the hip more than 45-60 degrees. Don’t elevate the HOB more than 45 degrees. Keep the hip abducted by separating legs with a pillow or abductor
Position for a mom with a prolapsed cord
Knee-chest position or trendelenburg
Position for an infant with a cleft lip
On their back or in an infant seat to prevent trauma to the suture line. If feeding, hold in an upright position
Position for an ABOVE the knee amputation
Elevate for the first 24 hours on a pillow. Position prone daily to help with hip extension
Position for a BELOW the knee amputation
Foot of bed elevated for the first 24 hours. Position prone daily to help with hip extension
Position for a detatched retina
Area of detachment should be in the dependent position
Position for administration of an enema
Patient should be LEFT side laying with the knee flexed (Sims position)
Position during internal radiation
On bedrest while the implant is in place
Position if the patient has autonomic dysreflexia/hyperreflexia
Place the client in a sitting position (elevate the HOB to 90) FIRST before any other implementation
7 S&S include: pounding headache extreme HTN, profuse sweating, bradycardia Blurred vision nasal congestion, goose flesh
Position for a patient in shock
Modified trendelenberg (extremities elevated 20 degrees) with the knees straight and head slightly elevated
Position for a patient with a head injury
Elevate the HOB 30 degrees to decrease ICP
Position for a patient with peritoneal dialysis when the outflow is inadequate
Turn the patient from side to side BEFORE checking the tube for kinking
When someone has a head injury, what medication are we likely to give
Why do u always use a filter needle ?
Mannitol. An osmotic diuretic that decreases ICP and increase urine output.
This crystallizes at room temperature so ALWAYS use a FILTER NEEDLE
