Pulmonary: Interventions: Postural Drainage

Question 1

Postural Drainage

Answer 1

• Placing patients in varying positions for optimal gravity drainage of secretions and increased expansion of the involved segment

Question 2

Upper Lobes: Apical Segments

Answer 2

• Bed or drainage table flat

- Patient leans backwards with their back on a pillow at a 30 degree angle

Question 3

Upper Lobes: Posterior Segments

Answer 3

• Bed or drainage table flat

- Patient leans forwards with their stomach on a pillow at a 30 degree angle

Question 4

Upper Lobes: Anterior Segments

Answer 4

• Bed or drainage table flat

- Patient lies on their back with a pillow under the knees

Question 5

Right Middle Lobe

Answer 5

• Foot of table or bed elevated 16 inches
• Patient lies head down on left side and rotates 1/4 turn backward. Feet are on elevated side of bed.
• Pillow may be placed under shoulder to hip for drainage
• Knees should be bent

Question 6

Left Upper Lobe: Lingular Segments

Answer 6

• Foot of table or bed elevated 16 inches
• Patient lies head down on right side and rotates a 1/4 turn backward. Feet are on elevated end of table.
• Pillow may be placed under shoulder to hip for drainage
• Knees should be bent

Question 7

Lower Lobe: Anterior Basal Segments

Answer 7

• Foot of table or bed elevated 20 inches

- Patient lies on side, head down, arm over head, pillow under knees, feet on elevated end of table

Question 8

Lower Lobes: Lateral Basal Segments

Answer 8

• Foot of table or bed elevated 20 inches
• Patient lies on abdomen, head down, then rotates 1/4 turn upward. Legs are at elevated end of bed.
• Upper leg is flexed over a pillow for support

Question 9

Lower Lobes: Posterior Basal Segment

Answer 9

• Foot of table or bed elevated 20 inches
• Patient lies on abdomen, head down with pillow under hips
• Feet on elevated end of bed

Question 10

Lower Lobes: Superior Segments

Answer 10

• Bed or table flat

- Patient lies on abdomen with two pillows under hips