septic shock

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does it help to lay a patient with septic shock on their side to facilitate lung expansion?

I think if there was more information, it would be easier to answer the question. Depending on the scenario like if the patient is crashing versus if they are stable

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"Whilst" tells me this student is from the UK or somewhere where the British system of education is the dominant paradigm.

Homework. OP, can you please come back and let us know?

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Septic shock, as others have said, is primarily a circulatory problem, as you have vasodilatation and 3rd spacing of fluids, causing very low BP and poor perfusion.

Most mechanically ventilated patients are turned from side to side every two hours, and up to the chair 2-3 times a day if stable enough. This is to optimize their lung function and minimize the risk of pressure ulcers. It's not an intervention specific to septic shock, though; it's to help prevent the risks of mechanical ventilation.

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