lithotomy position

[wakyone]

I've ben in OR 35+ years. When transitioning patient from lithotomy to supine, I was taught to raise/lower both legs at the same time. The new nurses we recently hired say that the new way is to lower one leg at a time to decrease blood pressure drop. Our AORN standards book is MIA. Has anyone heard of this? Thanks

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Yes, it is the new AORN standard although many people have still not heard the news. Taking down one leg at a time apparently decreases postural hypotension.

[MereSanity]

How interesting, can you provide the section of the AORN book this new standard is in? Or the link to the new updated standard? Would love to learn something new.

MereSanity BSN, RN, CNOR

[wakyone]

Thanks so much for your reply-I guess the old dog must learn some new tricks...:)

[CIRQL8]

Interesting. What about proper anatomical positioning. Isn't it better for the hips and nerves to lower slowly and simultaneously? I think the physicians and anesthesia would take issue with one leg at a time.

[wakyone]

Our AORN book has magically reappeared and in the positioning section for lithotomy, the legs are placed in stirrups and removed from stirrups simultaneously, but when lowering to bed must be done one at a time.