Best position for pneumonia & CHF combo

[RNbethy]

What is the best way to position a patient who has CHF and pneumonia, which is more pronounced @ the right lung?

To help with the pneumonia, side lying on the patient's left would be optimal to enhance ventilation:perfusion ratio. However, is this position contraindicated in CHF?

Thanks!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Can a person who is short of breath with fluid on their lungs lie in a supine position? Think about if you can't breathe.....you just can't catch your breath....you feel like you are drowning? How would you like to be positioned? Have you ever had a BAD cold with terrible nasal congestion? Can you lie down and breathe? Try not to over think......remember ABC's.