Patient positions PDF

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Patient positions...

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Cheat Sheet for Patient Positions Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

Bronchoscopy

After: Semi-Fowler’s

To reduce aspiration risk from difficulty of swallowing

Cerebral angiography

During: Flat on bed with arms at sides; kept still. After: Extremity in which contrast was injected is kept straight for 6 to 8 hours. Flat, if femoral artery was used.

Apply firm pressure on site for 15 minutes after the procedure.

Myelogram (air contrast)

Pre-op: surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post-op: HOB is lower than trunk.

To disperse dye.

Myelogram (oil-based dye)

Pre-op: surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post-op: Flat on bed for 6 to 8 hours

To disperse dye. To prevent CSF leakage.

Myelogram (water-based dye)

Pre-op: surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post-op: HOB elevated for 8 hours.

To prevent dye from irritating the meninges.

Liver biopsy

During: Supine with RIGHT side of upper abdomen exposed; RIGHT arm raised and extended behind and and overhead and shoulder. After: RIGHT side-lying with pillow under puncture site.

To expose the area. To apply pressure and minimize bleeding.

Lung biopsy

Flat supine with arms raised above head and hands health together; head and arms on pillow.

To expose and provide easy access to the area.

Renal biopsy

PRONE with pillow under the abdomen and shoulders.

To expose the area.

Post-op: Elevate extremity

Don’t sleep on affected side; encourage exercise by squeezing a rubber ball. Don’t use AV arm for BP reading and venipuncture.

Peritoneal Dialysis

When outflow is inadequate: turn patient from side to side.

Turning facilitates drainage; check for kinks in the tubing. Possible to have abdominal cramps and bloodtinged outflow if catheter was placed in the last 12 weeks. Cloudy outflow is never normal.

Meniere’s Disease

Change position slowly; bedrest during acute phase

Provide protection when ambulating

Arteriovenous fistula

Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

Autografting

Immobilize site for 3 to 7 days.

To promote healing and maximal adhesion.

Internal radiation, during treatment

Strict bedrest while implant is in place

To prevent dislodgement of the implant device. Provide own urinal or bedpan to patient.

Heart failure with pulmonary edema

Sitting up, with legs dangling

To decrease venous return and reduce congestion; promotes ventilation and relieves dyspnea.

Myocardial infarction

Semi-Fowler’s

To help lessen chest pain and promote respiration.

Pericarditis

High-Fowlers, upright leaning forward.

To help lessen pain.

Peripheral artery disease

Depending on desired outcome. Slight elevation of legs but not above the heart or slightly dependent. Dangle legs on side of the bed.

To slow or increase arterial return

Shock

Flat on bed.

To improve or increase circulation. Trendelenburg is no longer a recommended position.

Sickle Cell Anemia

HOB elevated 30 degrees, avoid knee gatch and putting strain on painful joints

To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing.

Varicose veins, leg ulcers, and venous insufficiency

Elevate extremities above heart level.

To prevent pooling of blood in the legs and facilitate venous return; avoid prolonged standing.

Deep vein thrombosis

Bed rest with affected limb elevated. After 24 hours after heparin therapy, patient can ambulate if pain level permits.

To promote circulation.

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF)

HOB elevated 30-45 degrees.

To prevent reflux.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (for Hydrocephalus treatment)

After shunt placement: Place on non-operative side in flat position. HOB raised 15-30 degrees if ICP is increased. Do not hold infant with head elevated.

Avoid rapid fluid drainage.

Hyphema Blood in anterior chamber of eye

HOB elevated 30-45 degrees, with night shield.

To allow the hyphema to settle out inferiorly and avoid obstruction of vision and to facilitate resolution

Abdominal aneurysm

Post-op: HOB no more than 45 degrees

To avoid flexion of the graft.

Dehiscence

Place in low-Fowler’s position then raise knees or instruct knees and support them with a pillow.

To decrease tension on the abdomen.

Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

Dumping Syndrome, prevention of

Take meals in reclining position, lie down for 20-30 minutes after.

To delay gastric emptying time. Restrict fluids during meals, low carb, low fiber diet in small frequent meals.

Evisceration

Place in low-Fowler’s position.

Instruct not to cough; place on NPO; keep intestines moist and covered with sterile saline until patient can be wheeled to OR.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Reverse Trendelenburg, slanted bed with head higher. Pediatric: prone with HOB elevated.

To promote gastric emptying and reduce reflux.

Hiatal hernia

Upright position after meals.

To prevent gastric content reflux.

Pyloric stenosis

RIGHT side-lying position after meals.

To facilitate entry of stomach contents into the intestines.

Extremity burns

Elevate extremity.

To reduce dependent edema and pressure.

Facial burns or trauma

Head elevated

To reduce edema

Autonomic dysreflexia

Initially place in sitting position or high Fowler’s position with legs dangling.

To reduce blood pressures below dangerous levels and provide partial symptom relief.

Cerebral aneurysm

HOB elevated 30-45 degrees; bed rest

To prevent pressure on aneurysm site

Heat stroke

Supine, flat with legs elevated.

To promote venous return and maintain blood flow to the head.

Hemorrhagic stroke

HOB elevated 30 degrees.

To reduce ICP and encourage blood drainage. Avoid hip and neck flexion which inhibits drainage.

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)

Elevate HOB 30-45 degrees, maintain head midline and in neutral position.

To promote venous drainage. Avoid flexion of the neck, head rotation, hip flexion, coughing, sneezing and bending forward.

Ischemic stroke

HOB flat in midline, neutral position.

To facilitate venous drainage and encourage arterial blood flow. Avoid hip and neck flexion which inhibits drainage

Seizure

Side-lying or recovery position.

To drain secretions and prevent aspiration.

Spinal cord injury

Immobilize on spinal backboard, head in neutral position and immobilized with a firm, padded cervical collar. Must be log rolled without allowing any twisting or bending movements

To prevent any movement and further injury.

Head injury

Elevate HOB 30 degrees, head should be kept in neutral position.

To decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). Keep head from flexing or rotating. Avoid frequent suctioning.

Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

Buck’s Traction

Elevate FOB for counter-traction; use trapeze for moving; place pillow beneath lower legs.

Ask patient to dorsiflex foot of the affected leg to assess function of peroneal nerve, weakness may indicate pressure on the nerve.

Casted arm

Elevate at or above level of heart

To minimize swelling

Delayed prosthesis fitting

Elevate foot of bed to elevate residual limb.

To hasten venous return and prevent edema.

Hip fracture

Affected extremity needs to be abducted.

Use splints, wedge pillow, or pillows between legs. Avoid stooping, flexion position during sex, and overexertion during walking or exercise.

Hip replacement

On unaffected side:maintain abduction when in supine position with pillow between legs. HOB raised to 30-45 degrees.

Avoid extreme internal or external rotation.

Immediate prosthesis fitting

Elevate residual limb for 24 hours.

Rigid cast acts to control swelling.

Osteomyelitis

Support affected extremity with pillows or splints

To maintain proper body alignment; avoid strenuous exercises.

Total hip replacement

Help to sitting position; place chair at 90 degrees angle to bed; stand on affected side; pivot patient to unaffected side.

To prevent dizziness and orthostatic hypotension.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome(ARDS)

High Fowler’s

To promote oxygenation via maximum chest expansion.

Air embolism from dislodged central venous line

Turn to LEFT side or place in Trendelenburg.

Patient should be immediately repositioned with the right atrium above the gas entry site so that trapped air will not move into the pulmonary circulation.

Asthma

High Fowler’s Tripod position: sitting position while leaning forward with hands on knees.

To promote oxygenation via maximum chest expansion.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)

High Fowler’s Orthopneic position

To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing.

Emphysema

High Fowler’s Orthopneic position

To promote maximum lung expansion

Pleural Effusion

High Fowler’s

To provide maximal

Pneumonia

High Fowler’s Lay on affected side Lay with affected lung up

To maximize breathing mechanisms. To splint and reduce pain. To reduce congestion.

Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

Pneumothorax

High Fowler’s

To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing.

Pulmonary edema

High Fowler’s, legs dependent position

To decrease edema and congestion

Pulmonary embolism

High Fowler’s Turn patient to LEFT side and lower HOB

To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing.

Flail chest

High Fowler’s

To provide maximal comfort and maximize breathing mechanisms.

Rib fracture

High Fowler’s

To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing.

Contraction stress test (CST)

Placed in semi-Fowler’s or side-lying position

Monitor for post-test labor onset.

Cord prolapse

Shrimp or fetal position; modified Sims’ or Trendelenburg.

To prevent pressure on the cord. If cord prolapses, cover with sterile saline gauze to prevent drying.

Fetal distress

Turn mother to her LEFT side.

To reduce compression of the vena cava and aorta.

Late decelerations (placental insufficiency)

Turn mother to her LEFT side.

To allow more blood flow to the placenta.

Placenta previa

Sitting position.

To minimize bleeding.

Variable decelerations (cord compression)

Place mother in Trendelenburg position.

To remove pressure off the presenting part of the cord and prevent gravity from pulling the fetus out of the body.

Spina Bifida

Prone (on abdomen).

To prevent sac rupture.

Cleft lip (congenital)

Position on back or in infant seat. Hold in upright position while feeding.

To prevent trauma to suture line.

Prolapsed umbilical cord

During labor: Knee-chest position or Trendelenburg.

Relieves pressure or gravity from pulling the cord. Hand in vagina to hold presenting part of fetus off cord.

Cardiac catheterization(post)

HOB elevated no more than 30 degrees or flat as prescribed.May turn to either side

Affected extremity should be kept straight.

Continuous BladderIrrigation (CBI)

Tape catheter to thigh; no other positioning restrictions

Prevents the catheter from being dislodged.

Ear drops

Position affected ear uppermost then lie on unaffected ear for absorption.

Pull outer ear upward and back for adults; upward and down for children.

Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

Ear irrigation

During procedure: Tilt head towards affected ear. After procedure: Lie on affected side for drainage.

Better visualization and drainage of the medium to the ear canal via gravity.

Eye drops

Tilt head back and look up, pull lid down.

Drop to center of the lower conjunctival sac; blink between drops; press inner canthus near nose bridge for 1-2 min to prevent systemic absorption.

Lumbar puncture

During: Shrimp or fetal position (side-lying with back bowed, knees drawn up to abdomen, neck flexed to rest chin on chest). After: Flat on bed for 4-12 hours.

To maximize spine flexion. To prevent spinal headache and CSF leakage.

Nasogastric tube insertion

High Fowler’s with head tilted forward

Closes the trachea and opens the esophagus; prevents aspiration.

Nasogastric tube irrigation and tube feedings

HOB elevated 30 to 45 degrees; keep elevated for 1 hour after an intermittent feeding. With decreased LOC: RIGHT side-lying with HOB elevated. With tracheostomy:Maintain in semi-Fowler’s position

To prevent aspiration.Promotes emptying of the stomach and prevents aspiration. To prevent aspiration.

Paracentesis

During: Semi-Fowler’s in bed or sitting upright on side of bed with chair; support the feet. Post: Assist into any comfortable position

Empty the bladder before procedure; report elevated temperature; assess for hypovolemia.

Postural Drainage

Trendelenburg

Lung area needing drainage should be in uppermost position

Rectal enema administration

Left side-lying (Sims’ position) with right knee flexed.

Allows gravity to work into the direction of the colon by placing the descending colon at its lowest point.

Rectal enemas and irrigation

Left side-lying, Sims’ position

To allow fluid to flow in the natural direction of the colon.

Sengstaken-Blakemore and Minnesota tubes

HOB elevated

To enhance lung expansion and reduce portal blood flow, permitting esophagogastric balloon tamponade.

Thoracentesis

Before: (1) Sitting on edge of bed while leaning on bedside table with feet supported by stool; or lying in bed on unaffected side with head elevated 45 degrees. (2) Lying in bed on unaffected side with HOB elevated to Fowler’s.

Prevent fluid leakage into the thoracic cavity.

Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

After: Assist patient into any comfortable position preferred. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

During insertion:Trendelenburg.

To prevent air embolism.

Vascular extremity graft

Bed rest for 24 hours, keep extremity straight and avoid knee or hip flexion

For maximal adhesion.

Perineal procedures

Lithotomy

For better visualization of the area.

Appendectomy

Post-op: Fowler’s position

To relieve abdominal pain and ease breathing.

Cataract surgery

Sleep on unaffected side with a night shield for 1 to 4 weeks. Semi-Fowler’s or Fowler’s on back or on non-operative side.

To prevent edema.

Craniotomy

HOB elevated 30-45% with head in a midline, neutral position. Never put client on operative side, especially if bone was removed.

To facilitate venous drainage.

Hemorrhoidectomy

During: Prone Jackknife position.

Provides better visualization of the area.

Hypophysectomy Surgical removal of the pituitary gland.

HOB elevated.

To prevent increase in ICP.

Infratentorial surgery Incision at back of head, above nape of neck

Flat and lateral on either side; avoid neck flexing.

To facilitate drainage.

Kidney transplant

Post-op: Semi-Fowler’s, turn from back to non-operative side

To promote gas exchange

Laminectomy

Back is kept straight.Patient is logrolled if turned. Sit straight in straight-backed chair when out of bed or when ambulating.

Laryngectomy

HOB elevated 30-45 degrees

To maintain airway and decrease edema.

Mastectomy

Semi-Fowler’s with arm on affected side elevated.

To allow lymph drainage. Turn only on back and on unaffected side.

Mitral valve replacement

Post-op: semi-Fowler’s position.

To assist in breathing.

Myringotomy

Post-op: Position on side of affected ear .

To allow drainage of secretions

Retinal detachment

Bed rest with minimal activity and repositioning.

Helps detached retina fall into place.

Condition

Position

Rationale & Additional Info

Area of detachment should be in the dependent position. Supratentorial surgery Incision front of head below hairline

HOB elevated 30-45 degrees; maintain head/neckline in midline neutral position; avoid extreme hip and neck flexion.

To facilitate drainage.

Thyroidectomy

Post-op: High Fowler’s or semi-Fowler’s. Avoid extension and movement by using sandbags or pillows.

To reduce swelling and edema in the neck area. To decrease tension on the suture line and support the head and neck.

Tonsillectomy

Post-op: prone or side-lying

To facilitate drainage and relieve pressure on the neck.

Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy

Side lying with head tucked and legs pulled up or; Prone with arms folded under chin.

To expose the area. Apply pressure to the area after the procedure to stop the bleeding.

Amputation: above the knee

Elevate for first 24 hours using pillow.Position prone twice daily.

To prevent edema. To provide for hip extension and stretching of flexor muscles; prevent contractures, abduction

Amputation: below the knee