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Fundamentals : Positioning
Purpose
To ensure client comfort and safety, while preventing complications related to the client's condition, treatment, or
procedure.
Fowler's position Lateral Lithotomy
Includes semi fowler's position Can be right or left sided. Most commonly seen in OB.
which is between 30-40 degrees What am i? What am I ?
and high fowler's which is 90 Right lateral means the right Patient is lying flat on their back
degrees. side of the patient is touching with knees elevated and hips
What am i? the bed, left lateral indicates level, often supported by
A position in which the head and the left side of the patient is stirrups.
trunk are raised 40-90 degrees. touching the bed.
Indications
Indications Gynecological procedures and
Indications GI issues, and rectal surgery. childbirth.
Cardiac issues, SOB, or NG tube.
placement.
Sim’s Position
A prone/lateral.
Prone Supine
What AM I?
Prone your on your tummy. You’re on your spine.
A position in which the patient
What am I? Supine is considered the most
The patient lies on his stomach natural “at rest” position.
lies on his side with his upper
leg flexed and drawn in towards
with his back up. The head is What am i?
typically turned to one side. A position where the patient is
the chest, and the upper arm
flexed at the elbow. Indications flat on his back.
Indications Drainage of the mouth after oral Indications
or neck surgery. It also allows Used in surgery for abdominal,
Administering enemas, perineal
for full flexion of knee and hip facial, and extremity procedures.
examinations, and for comfort in
joints.
pregnancy.
Trendelenburg Reverse Trendelenburg
“Upside Down.” What am i?
What AM I? Patient is in the supine position with the head of the
This position involves a supine patient and sharply bed elevated and the foot of the bed down
lowering the head of the bed and raising the foot. Indications.
Indications Indications
Used to treat hypotension, during gynecological Used in surgery to help promote perfusion in obese
and abdominal hernia surgeries, and in the patients. It can also be helpful in treating venous air
placement of central lines. embolism and preventing pulmonary aspiration.
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