Postural Drainage Positions

Question 1

APICAL segments of R + L UPPER lobes

Answer 1

• Seated, leaning back 30-40 degrees

- Percussion/vibration performed above the clavicles

Question 2

POSTERIOR segment RIGHT UPPER lobe

Answer 2

• Turned 1/4 from prone on L side
• Bed horizontal, head + shoulders raised on a pillow
• Percussion/vibration performed around medial border of the right scapula

Question 3

POSTERIOR segment LEFT UPPER lobe

Answer 3

• Turned 1/4 from prone on right side
• HOB elevated 45 degrees, Head + shoulders on pillow
• Percussion/vibration performed around medial border of the left scapula

Question 4

LINGULA left upper lobe

Answer 4

• Turned 1/4 from supine on R side
• Foot of bed elevated 12 inches
• Percussion/vibration performed over the L chest between L axilla and L nipple

Question 5

ANTERIOR segments R + L UPPER lobes

Answer 5

• Supine, bed horizontal

- Percussion/vibration performed below the clavicles

Question 6

Right MIDDLE lobe

Answer 6

• Turned 1/4 from supine on L side
• Foot of bed elevated 12 inches
• Percussion/vibration performed over the R chest between the R axilla and R nipple

Question 7

SUPERIOR segments of the L + R LOWER lobes

Answer 7

• Prone, bed horizontal

- Percussion/vibration performed below the inferior borders of the L and R scapulae

Question 8

ANTERIOR basal segments of the L + R LOWER lobes

Answer 8

• Supine
• Foot of bed elevated 18 inches
• Percussion/vibration performed over the lower ribs of the L + R side

Question 9

POSTERIOR basal segments L + R LOWER lobes

Answer 9

• Prone
• Foot of bed elevated 18 inches
• Percussion/vibration performed over lower ribs on L + R side

Question 10

LATERAL basal segments lower lobes

Answer 10

• Sidelying (for R lobe lay on L side, for L lobe lay on R side)
• Percussion/vibration performed over the lower ribs on respective side