Activity 4- Patient Positioning

• Fowler's Position

Purpose: Standard Fowler's position is the preferred position to combat respiratory

distress syndrome. Due to the positioning of the bed, Standard Fowler's position
allows for better chest expansion, improving breathing by facilitating oxygenation.

• Supine Position

Purpose: The supine position is one of the most natural positions for patients and
usually allows for all patient anatomical structures to remain in natural neutral
alignment. Most patients are able to maintain adequate respiratory function with no
constricting external compression on the respiratory system.

• Prone Position

Purpose: He expert notes that it is especially beneficial in comprised COVID-19

patients with or without ventilator needs and says, “The position allows for better
expansion of the dorsal (back) lung regions, improved body movement and enhanced
removal of secretions which may ultimately lead to advances in oxygenation.

• Lithotomy Position

Purpose: The lithotomy position was the standard birthing position used by many
hospitals. It was often used during the second stage of labor, when you start pushing.
Some doctors prefer it because it gives them better access to both mother and baby.

• Sim's Position

Purpose: Sims' position, named after the gynaecologist J. Marion Sims, is usually
used for rectal examination, treatments, enemas, and examining women for vaginal
wall prolapse. It is performed by having the person lie on their left side, left hip and
lower extremity straight, and right hip and knee bent.

• Lateral Position

Purpose: The lateral position is used for surgical access to the thorax, kidney,
retroperitoneal space, and hip. Depending on the side of the body on which the patient
is being operated, the patient will lie on their left or right side. Before being placed in
the lateral position, the patient is induced in the supine position.

• Trendelenburg Position

Purpose: The Trendelenburg position uses gravity to assist in the filling and

distension of the upper central veins, as well as the external jugular vein. It plays no
role in the placement of a femoral central venous catheter. The Trendelenburg
position can also be used in respiratory patients to create better perfusion.
• Reverse Trendelenburg Position

Purpose: Reverse Trendelenburg Position. A modified version of Trendelenburg,

Reverse Trendelenburg position is used for laparoscopic surgeries including
gallbladder, biliary tract, and stomach procedures, as well as head and neck surgeries.
In Trendelenburg, the patient's head is positioned down, and feet positioned up.