Patient Positioning: Complete Guide For Nurses: Marjo S. Malabanan, R.N.,M.N
Patient Positioning: Complete Guide For Nurses: Marjo S. Malabanan, R.N.,M.N
Patient Positioning: Complete Guide For Nurses: Marjo S. Malabanan, R.N.,M.N
In prone position, the patient lies on the abdomen with head turned to
one side and the hips are not flexed.
• Extension of hips and knee joints. Prone position is the only bed position
that allows full extension of the hip and knee joints. It also helps to
prevent flexion contractures of the hips and knees.
• Contraindicated for spine problems. The pull of gravity on the trunk when
the patient lies prone produces marked lordosis or forward curvature of
the spine thus contraindicated for patients with spinal problems. Prone
position should only be used when the client’s back is correctly aligned.
• Drainage of secretions. Prone position also promotes drainage from the
mouth and useful for clients who are unconscious or those recover from
surgery of the mouth or throat.
• Placing support in prone. To support a patient lying in prone, place a
pillow under the head and a small pillow or a towel roll under the
abdomen.
• In surgery. Prone position is often used for neurosurgery, in most neck and
spine surgeries.
Lateral Position
In lateral or side-lying position, the patient lies on one side of the body
with the top leg in front of the bottom leg and the hip and knee flexed.
Flexing the top hip and knee and placing this leg in front of the body
creates a wider, triangular base of support and achieves greater
stability. Increase in flexion of the top hip and knee provides greater
stability and balance. This flexion reduces lordosis and promotes good
back alignment.
• Relieves pressure on the sacrum and heels. Lateral position helps
relieve pressure on the sacrum and heels especially for people who sit
or are confined to bed rest in supine or Fowler’s position.
• Body weight distribution. In this position, most of the body weight is
distributed to the lateral aspect of the lower scapula, the lateral
aspect of the ilium, and the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Support pillows needed. To correctly position the patient in lateral
position, use of support pillows are needed.
Sims’ Position