Postural Drainage

Question 1

all segments of the lower lobes need trendelenburg positions for drainage (assuming it is not contraindicated) T/F

Answer 1

False - the superior segments of both the right and left lower lobes are drained in the prone position with a pillow under the hips and legs.

Question 2

Which segment of the upper lobes can be drained in the supine position?

(a) left anterior
(b) right anterior
(c) left posterior
(d) right posterior

Answer 2

(b) right anterior segment. The left anterior is drained when the patient is 45 degrees, the left posterior in prone either over the bed or on it with a 15 degree raise, the right posterior in straight prone.

Basically, the right upper lobe is in supine or prone, except the apical segments which are at 60 degrees up. The left lobe is at 45 or 15 degrees for the anterior and posterior segments, also in supine then prone…

Question 3

what angle of trendelenburg is required to drain the lingula and right middle lobe?

(a) 45
(b) 30
(c) 30-40
(d) 15

Answer 3

(d) 15 degrees. Remember where these lobes are and it will make sense. Note that they can also be drained in sidelying as well as 1/4 supine for each side.

Question 4

when clapping on the lateral lower lobe, which rib level should you stay above?

(a) 8th
(b) 10th
(c) 12th
(d) none of the above

Answer 4

(a) 8th rib laterally

Question 5

the positioning for which segment also drains the right medial (cardiac) segment of the lungs?

(a) left lingula
(b) left lower lobe - superior segment
(c) left lower lobe - lateral segment
(d) left lower lobe - posterior segment

Answer 5

(c) left lower lobe - lateral segment.

Question 6

which lung segments are drained in prone or 1/4 prone position at 0 degrees of tilt?

(a) left lower lobe - superior segment
(b) right lower lobe - superior segment
(c) right upper lobe - posterior segment
(d) all of the above

Answer 6

(d) all of the above

Question 7

The ____ segment of the lower lobe can be drained with a 30-40 degree tilt head-down, while the ____ can be drained at 30 degrees.

(a) anterior; posterior
(b) posterior; anterior
(c) superior;posterior
(d) anterior; superior

Answer 7

(b) posterior; anterior.

I remember this by thinking about how scary it was to get on the table tilted super far over with my head at the bottom (had the highest potential tilt).