positioning patients Flashcards

1. supine
2. prone
3. lateral

The patient lies flat on the back with the arms extended on armboards with the palms facing upward.

Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the supine position include:

• Head and neck.
• Anterior upper extremity.
• Chest/breast.
• Abdomen.
• Pelvis.
• Anterior lower extremity.

• position is a modification of the supine position
• note head-down positioning
• It is used to displace the abdominopelvic organs cephalad to provide better visualization of the surgical site. Another benefit of the Trendelenburg position is that blood flow to the lower body is reduced and venous drainage is promoted. Conversely, the position may be used to increase blood flow to the upper body, as in the treatment of shock or for distention of blood vessels to be cannulated. Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the Trendelenburg position include the pelvis and the lower abdomen.

• reverse Trendelenburg position is a modification of the supine position
• note head up position
• It is used to displace the abdominal organs caudad to provide better visualization of the surgical site. Other benefits of the reverse Trendelenburg position are blood flow to the upper body is reduced, venous drainage is promoted, and respiration is facilitated.
• Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the reverse Trendelenburg position include the upper abdomen and the head and neck.

• Fowler’s position is a modification of the supine position
• The Fowler’s position reduces blood flow to the upper body, promotes venous drainage, and facilitates respiration. Air embolism is a potential concern when the patient is in the Fowler’s position.
• Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the Fowler’s position include the breast, head and neck, and shoulder.

• The sitting position is a modification of Fowler’s position
• The torso is in an upright position. The flexed arms rest either on a lap pillow or on an adjustable padded table in front of the patient. A body strap should support the shoulders, and padding should be added to prevent sciatic nerve damage. When this position is to be used for a neurosurgical procedure, the head will be in a cranial headrest.
• used for surgeries neck/shoulders up

• The lithotomy position is a modification of the supine position
• Various positioning devices are available to place the patient in the lithotomy position. The use of candy-cane-style stirrups is presented here. Legs must be raised and lowered slowly and simultaneously to prevent muscle strain in the lower back and to allow for gradual adjustment to blood pressure.
• allen stirrups may also be used
• body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the lithotomy position include:
  • Vagina.
  • Urethra.
  • Perineum.
  • Anus and rectum.

• on stomach, flat
• Prior to placement in the prone position, the patient is anesthetized on the stretcher
• All preoperative procedures, such as Foley catheter insertion, must be performed prior to placement of the patient in the prone position.
• Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the prone position include:
  • Posterior cranium.
  • Dorsal body surface.
  • Spine.
  • Posterior lower extremity.

• is a modification of the prone position
• Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the prone position include the anus and the pilonidal area.

• The lateral position is also referred to as the lateral recumbent or lateral decubitus position
• laying on side
• The patient in the right lateral position is placed on the operating table with the right side downward, exposing the left side of the body. The patient in the left lateral position is placed on the operating table with the left side downward, exposing the right side of the body. With the patient in the lateral position, the bottom leg is flexed and the legs are separated with pillows. All preoperative procedures, such as Foley catheter insertion, must be performed prior to placement in the lateral position.
• Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the lateral position include the retroperitoneal space, hip, and hemithorax.

• is a modification of the lateral position
• Body regions that may be accessed with the patient in the kidney position include the retroperitoneal space.

• is a modification of the left lateral position
• This is the preferred position for endoscopy performed via the anus. Typically, the patient remains on the stretcher (rather than being transferred to the operating table) and is awake and able to assist with positioning.