Patient positions in nursing pdf

What is nursing pdf. Patient flow nurse job description. What are the patient positions. Types of position in nursing pdf. List of patient positions.

POSITIONS USED IN NURSING PATIENTS/CLIENTS POSITIONS USED IN NURSING • Good body posture or normal body alignment is very vital to the proper functioning of the body. Body alignment refers to the condition of the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles in various body positions-whether standing, sitting or lying. When the body is in
good alignment, undue strain is not exerted on the musculoskeletal system. • A healthy person assumes the position that is most comfortable without even thinking about the constant changes. However, in sickness, patients are not always able to independently move and position themselves hence need the assistance of the nurse.POSITIONS USED
IN NURSING • Position changes alleviate pressure on pressure areas and enhance circulation, facilitates drainage from the lungs as well as bowel movement. Proper positioning also allows the health worker to: • Make patients as comfortable as possible • Prevent complications such as contractures and pressure sores. • Make parts of the client’s
body available for treatment or procedures • Facilitate client’s recovery e.g. postural drainage Whatever the reason for positioning or changing of position, good body alignment is the watch word. POSITIONS USED IN NURSING Guidelines for Positioning Patients in Bed • Supportive devices should be used according to the individual’s body and
physical ability.

E.g. a patient who is muscular and have adequate adipose tissue in the lumber regions may not require support in this area but an emaciated patient does. • Frequently change the position of the helpless patient every 2-4 hours to enhance blood circulation and also to prevent skin breakdownPOSITIONS USED IN NURSING 3. Provide skin care for
pressure areas created in the previous positions; treat pressure areas that bear the body’s weight. 4. Ensure that the foundation of the bed is firm, clean and the mattress is dry always. 5.
When not contra-indicated, encourage or provide range of motion exercises for the patient’s major joints each time his/position is changed.POSITIONS USED IN NURSING • The positions used in nursing patients are: • Fowler’s position i. High Fowler’s position ii. Semi-Fowler’s position • Supine/Recumbent position • dorsal positions • Lateral/Side-
lying position • Semi-prone position • Prone position • Lithotomy position • Knee-chest (genu-pectoral) position • Tredelenberg position • Reverse tredelenberg positionFowler’s Position – is assumed both for comfort and for therapeutic purposes. There are two adaptations of the fowler’s position: High Fowler’s/Sitting/cardiac/ orthopnoeic Position.
bed is elevated and inclined at an angle of between 60° and 90° to the bed like sitting in a chair. A heart/cardiac table on which is a pillow, a call bell and at times a sputum mug is placed in front of the patient to ensure support when the patient leans forward to rest on it.Fowler’s Position bed ridden patients usually find it easier to eat, watch
television and chat in this position.POSITIONS USED IN NURSING • This position allows for maximum expansion of the chest and also helps patients with exhalation difficulty as they can press their chest against the table during exhalation. Also, bed ridden patients usually find it easier to eat, watch television and chat in this position. • Semi-
Fowler’s position: in this position, the head of the bed is inclined at an angle of 30°-45° It allows for chest expansion and is used for cardiac and respiratory conditions as well. In these two positions, the main weight of the body is exerted on the buttocks, then the sacrum, heels and the scapulae.POSITIONS USED IN NURSING • To assume these
position, pillows are placed under the lumber region, the upper back, the head, the thigh and the also a small pillow under the heels. A trochanter roll is placed lateral to each femur. A foot board on the bed supports the feet to prevent plantar flexion and then later foot drop.POSITIONS USED IN NURSING • Supine position: The supine position is
assumed without a pillow after lumber puncture and also in spinal injuries. This position is also use when examining the anterior part of the body.POSITIONS USED IN NURSING • The semi-recumbent position, the patient lies on his back with two or more pillows; the bed rest may be used in a reclining position. It is used in nursing surgical and
medical conditions such as abdominal surgeries, abdominal distension and in convalescents POSITIONS USED IN NURSING • Prone position: the patient lies flat on the abdomen with the legs extended and the face turned to the side and the arms flexed at the sides. A small pillow is put under the ankle to lift the toes in order not to press them into
the mattress. The feet are also supported with a foot board. The prone position is used • to dry P.O.P, • to relieve pressure on areas of the back in preventing pressure sores, • for nursing clients with fractured spines • For patients with burns and other injuries at the back • For comfort and during sleep in some patients Prone positionPOSITIONS
USED IN NURSING The Lateral or Side Lying Position: the client lies on his side with the upper leg flexed and the arms in front. It is used • For comfort during rest and sleep • To relief pressure from the back of the head, scapulae, sacrum and the heel • To promote drainage of saliva or secretions in unconscious patients to prevent aspiration • For
examination of the rectal, vaginal and perineal regions • Used when giving enema • For insertion of suppository and flatus tubePOSITIONS USED IN NURSING Dorsal position: the client lies flat on the back with legs flexed and feet flat on the bed. It is used • For gyanaecological examinations • Insertion of urethral catheters • Semi –
Prone/Sim’s/Recovery Position: to assume this position, the client lies half way between the lateral and the prone position. The lower knee is slightly flexed and also the hip at 90°. It can be used • For vaginal and rectal and vaginal examinations • To facilitate drainage in from the mouth of unconscious patients • To provide comfort for the pregnant
woman in the last trimester of pregnancyLateral positionLithotomy Position: a client in the lithotomy position lies on her back with the legs flexed at 90° at the hip and the knees; the feet are placed in stirrup. It is used for gyanaecological operation and in the labour ward for delivery and the evacuation of the uterus.The Tredelenburg Position: the
patient lies on the operation table in the recumbent position with the arms by the sides. The foot section of the table is dropped down and the legs are strapped on it to secure them. This position can be used on the ward to treat shock for gynaecological, pelvic and rectal examinations. In the reverse Tredelenburg, the head end of the bed is raised.
The Knee-chest/Genu-pectoral position; the client kneels on the bed with thighs vertical and chest resting on a firm pillow. The head is turned to one side and the hands are flexed around the head or on the bed. Used for vaginal and rectal examination, high colonic irrigation and in replacing dropped organ in visceroptosis.BED MAKING • This is the
art and science using beddings and bed accessories to make beds for comfort and also to facilitate/aid patients’ recovery. Some principles that guide bed making are: • All requirements for bed making should be collected before starting the procedure • Two nurses are usually required and they should work in harmony, avoiding jerky movements and
jarring of the bed. • The patient’s face must never be covered with sheets or blanketsBED MAKING • The patient must never be exposed • Extra assistance should be available and, if necessary, should be called upon to help lift the patient. • When pillows are being shaken, the nurse should turn away from the patient • Any conversation during bed
making should included the patient and should not be on personal matters between the nurses.BED MAKING Types of Beds Made to Nurse Patients • Simple unoccupied bed, • Simple occupied bed • Admission bed • Operation bed • Fracture bed • Cardiac bed • Amputation bed • Divided bed • Bed for drying of plaster of Paris • Tent bed Patients in
health care settings often spend extended periods in bed with limited mobility. An important part of nursing care consists of helping your patients keep their bodies as comfortable and safe as possible, specifically through thoughtful patient positioning.Understanding different types of patient positioning, what they look like, when you might use them,
and the impact they can have on health are important aspects of becoming a nurse. We will explore the basic patient positions and what you should know as an aspiring nurse about these different positions.Patient positioning refers to the techniques nurses use with their patients to maintain a neutral body alignment.Proper patient positions help
to:Protect the patient from potential problems related to immobility and injuries.Promote the overall health of the patient.Keep the patient safe during procedures, such as in operating rooms or in recovery.As a nurse, you’ll need to consider many details when choosing your patient’s position. For example, you should consider the position of any
medical devices, such as catheters, or any risk factors of this patient, such as incision sites. Patient safety should be one of your top concerns.Why is patient positioning important in nursing?Patient positioning plays an important role in helping to promote the comfort and safety of your patient throughout their hospital stay.Specified positions are
designed to do several things, including:Promote clear airwaysEncourage circulation throughout the bodyHelp keep the patient comfortable while confined to a bedMinimize patient exposure during surgery or wound careHelp patients feel their privacy is respected when vulnerable, such as during the perioperative phase.In addition to benefiting
patients, these positions can also help the health care team. Proper positioning can ensure maximum visibility when needing access to a particular area of the body. Visibility is needed to properly administer medications, like anesthetics, and gain intraoperative surgical access to begin a procedure and work as effectively as possible.As a nurse, you’ll
need to learn a variety of patient positions, each with particular situations in which they’ll work best. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before moving your patient into a new position:Discuss with the patient how you plan to position them and why so they can fully understand what is happening.Request assistance from the patient as
much as possible, as well as other health care team members, whenever you may need it.Patients left in a single position for too long may start to experience health problems, even if nothing is wrong with the position itself.Frequent repositioning changes play an important role in proper patient positioning.Now, we will explore some of the most
significant patient positions and surgical positions you will need to know.What the supine position looks like:In the supine position, a patient lies flat on their back. Nurses can use different variations of this position.

For example, depending on your patient’s condition, you might place your legs out straight, extended, or slightly bent. Your arms may be up or down.When the supine position is used:The supine position is one of the most commonly used positions in nursing examinations and assessments. Nurses can also use this if a procedure needs to be done on
the anterior side of the body, such as the abdomen or thoracic area – or if you want to help your patient maintain blood flow in situations such as heat stroke. Patients will also need to stay flat after certain procedures, such as a cerebral angiography using the femoral artery.What to watch out for when using the supine position:Nurses must be careful
that patients do not develop pressure ulcers or nerve damage from excessive time in this position. They will want to check for skin problems and pad bony prominences. You should also note if there are any reasons patients should not have a pillow in this position, such as if an anesthesiologist used spinal anesthesia.What the Fowler’s position looks
like:The Fowler’s position is often referred to as the semi-sitting position, with the head of the bed elevated like a beach chair. The standard elevation for the Fowler’s position is between 45 and 60 degrees, although low Fowler’s and semi-Fowler’s each use slightly smaller angles. Meanwhile, a high Fowler’s position elevates the bed even higher until
your patient nearly sits upright.When the Fowler’s position is used:This position helps patients breathe easier. Nurses can use high Fowlers for patients experiencing high blood pressure. Patients who are preparing to walk again might start using this position more, as it gives nurses the chance to watch for signs of dizziness. It can also be used for
neurosurgery.What to watch out for when using the Fowler’s position:When your patients use this position, you want to encourage them to spend a few hours a day resting without a headrest or pillow. This helps the neck fully stretch and helps the patient avoid neck flexion contractures. With this position, you should also watch for signs of deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities.What the orthopneic position looks like:The orthopneic (or tripod position) has the patient in a sitting position. It uses a table with ample pillows in front of the patient so the patient can lean forward and rest on them.When the orthopneic position is used:This position allows for maximum lung expansion and
can help patients with trouble exhaling. They can use the edge of the table to press on their chest to help them exhale successfully. This position is used often on patients being treated for COPD.What to watch out for when using the orthopneic position:Like most positions, too much time in the orthopneic position can lead to muscle strain, fatigue,
sores, or bruising. Regular repositioning is necessary for patient health.What the prone position looks like:In the prone position, the patient lies on their stomach. The head is in a neutral position and turned to one side. Nurses can place pillows under the abdomen or in other areas to increase comfort.When the prone position is used:This position is
useful because it allows the hip and knee joints to extend fully. It also helps with patients who are unconscious to promote drainage from the mouth. For pediatric patients, the prone position helps with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This position can work for vascular surgeries, neurosurgeries, and neck surgeries, among others.What to watch out
for when using the prone position:You should not use this position for patients with spinal injuries as it creates a forward curve in the spine. You also want to watch for potential complications, such as compartment syndrome.What the lateral position looks like:In the lateral position, your patient is placed on either their left or right side. Often, a pillow
will be placed under the head to promote proper spinal alignment and greater comfort. A safety restraint may be needed across your patient’s hips depending on the reason for this positioning.When the lateral position is used:Nurses use this position in many different surgeries, particularly those involving the back or hips. Patients will also often need
arm boards to keep them positioned correctly for different procedures.What to watch out for when using the lateral position:Keep an eye on pressure building along the half of the body lying against the surface. You’ll also want to watch for signs of DVT.What the Sims’ position looks like:The Sims’ position is very similar to the lateral position
described above. The main difference is that bodily restraints and padding are used to keep the patient in a better position. The patient will be on their left side in this position, with a straightened left leg and a slightly bent right leg.When the Sims’ position is used:Like the lateral position, this position is often used for certain types of surgeries. This
position is also used for certain examinations, such as rectal or vaginal wall prolapse.What to watch out for when using the Sims’ position:Keep an eye out for pressure injuries on the side of the body lying on the surface and for DVT.What the lithotomy position looks like:In the lithotomy position, patients keep their backs flat against the surface while
their legs are raised. Some type of leg holder or stirrups is generally used to help the patient keep their legs in the proper position.When the lithotomy position is used:As a nurse, you will most often use this position when your patient needs an examination or surgery related to the pelvic or colorectal area.What to watch out for when using the
lithotomy position:This position places a considerable amount of pressure on the back. Nurses — like you — have to keep an eye on potential fractures or nerve injuries. Concerns also include pressure injuries and diminished lung capacity.What the Trendelenburg’s position looks like:With the Trendelenburg position, your patient will lie down on the
bed, which will then shift so the head is lower than the rest of the body. Since your patient ends up nearly upside-down, they will need safety restraints so they do not fall off the surface.When the Trendelenburg’s position is used:This position can be useful in situations where your patient needs certain surgical procedures, such as those involving the
colorectal area. Raising the foot off the bed can be helpful if there are problems with certain nerves, such as the peroneal nerve. This position also helps promote venous return for patients with hypotension and can help if a patient develops an air embolism.What to watch out for when using the Trendelenburg’s position:Do not use this position with
obese patients or with those who have problems with their lung capacity. You’ll also need to watch for signs of venous pooling around the patient’s head.What the reverse Trendelenburg’s position looks like:The reverse Trendelenburg position flips what we described for the original Trendelenburg’s position. Here, the patient is flat but the table is
moved so the head is higher than the legs. Similar to the Trendelenburg position, patients will need restraints to keep them from sliding off the table.

Padded footboards can also be used.When the reverse Trendelenburg’s position is used:This position can be useful for certain types of surgeries, such as those involving the head and neck or laparoscopic procedures.What to watch out for when using the reverse Trendelenburg’s position:As a nurse, you will want to watch for signs of deep vein
thrombosis or nerve damage in this position.What the knee-chest position looks like:The knee-chest position can serve as a variation of either the lateral or the prone positions. In a lateral variation, your patient will be on their side with the legs bent and the knees pulled up toward the chest. In the prone variation, your patient will kneel with the chest
and face on the surface.When the knee-chest position is used:Nurses often use the lateral variation for spine surgeries, while the prone variation can help with rectal examinations.What to watch out for when using the knee-chest position:This position, particularly the prone variation, can be very uncomfortable or embarrassing for patients.
Reassurance and communication can help keep your patient calm and comfortable.What the Kraske position looks like:The Kraske position can also be called the jackknife position, which requires your patient to kneel. Since they will need to kneel for an extended period, ensure that your patient has adequate padding to prevent discomfort.When the
Kraske position is used:This position can help if your patient needs a colorectal procedure.What to watch out for when using the Kraske position:It’s important to note that this position can have cardiovascular effects and can decrease venous return to the heart. This can increase the risk for deep vein thrombosis, so be aware of the signs.What the
kidney position looks like:The kidney position also has similarities to the lateral position. The main difference is that a lift is placed underneath the patient’s abdomen. Again, to promote patient comfort and safety, you will need to use cushions and security belts to keep the patient positioned correctly.When the kidney position is used:This position can
help the health care team better access the retroperitoneal space, or lower back abdominal cavity.What to watch out for when using the kidney position:Like the lateral position, you’ll want to watch out for signs of pressure causing issues on the bed-down side of the body — as well as DVT.What the dorsal recumbent position looks like:The term
“dorsal” refers to the back (or spine), and “recumbent” refers to a lying or reclining position. In the dorsal recumbent position, the patient is lying on their back, their knees flexed, and their feet flat on the bed. The knees are extended and directed upward and outward, The body is lying down with the arms nearby. When the dorsal recumbent position
is used:This position allows a large range of motion without causing discomfort or pain, which makes it ideal for patients with limited mobility. This position also allows nurses and other medical staff to examine the hips more easily. Additionally, when a patient is placed in the dorsal recumbent, their body will naturally align itself with gravity, which
helps to reduce swelling in limbs and joints.What to watch out for when using the dorsal recumbent position:As a nurse, you should take note of any discomfort the patient may be experiencing, especially in the abdomen area.Learning these different patient positions can help you prepare for your nursing exams and — later — for your career as a
nurse. Knowing when to use the different positions, and the potential risks involved, can help you improve patient care.As you prepare for your nursing exams, it’s important to have the resources you need to study confidently and effectively.

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