Need some input on bed positions

DaFreak71 · Feb 8, 2006

I mean PATIENT positions in the bed.
I have to list the uses/contradictions of each of the bed positions. I have found ALL the contradictions in my book and the use for fowlers and side lying...but I can't find when you would use supine/prone/sims. I can think of a few but I was wondering if anyone could give me any input at all. Thanks!

Supine: Many patients are comfortable in this position. If patient is unconscious, this is the normal anatomical position that the patient will be posed in (with frequent repositions to avoid pressure sores). This position allows for correct body alignment.

Prone: The body is straightend out in the prone position because the shoulders, head and neck are in an erect position, the arms are easily placed in correct alignment with the shoulder girdle, the hips are extended and the knees can be prevented from flexing or hyperextending. This position helps to prevent flexion contractures of the hips and knees. This position is contraindicated for patients with spinal problems.

Sims: It's a variation of the lateral position (side lying). The main body weight is borne by the anterior aspects of the humerus, clavicle, and ilium, thus the major pressure points differ from those in the other positions. This position can be used as an alternative when inserting a catheter into a female patient.

Source: Fundamentals of Nursing: The art and science of nursing care, 5th edition, pages 1131-1132, 1313.

Best wishes,

Adri

BoonersmomRN · Feb 8, 2006

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Feb 8, 2006

Prone positioning is being used in some ICU's for ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) to aid aeration of the lungs.

Sims - ideal position for enemas; alternative position for "difficult" placement of female foley catheter.

BoonersmomRN · Feb 9, 2006

Thank you as well:).

stn2003, RN · Feb 9, 2006

Also with prone positioning, they like to put post-op LE amps prone for a bit after the initial period of elevating the stump to prevent flexion problems. They alternate between prone-supine for this.

Patient positioning in bed is also used with patients that are in shock:

Head down, Feet up for shock that is hypovolemic in nature

Head up, Feet down (HIGH fowlers) for shock that is cardiogenic in nature

AtlantaRN, RN · Feb 9, 2006

sims + trendelenberg = optimal position for enema...especially retention...

high, hot and *ell of alot...

linda

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2006

I saw proning boards used in a long term care facility for children. It was to keep them from getting flexion contractures at the hips since many of them were confined to wheelchairs throughout the day.

We also used to prone patients who were capable of being in a prone position when they had things like pilonidal cyst surgery or skin flap surgery to cover defects created by huge decubitus ulcers.