POSITIONS USED IN NURSING

 Recumbent position
 Lateral position
 Fowler’s position
 Sims position
 Lithotomy position
 Prone position
 Knee chest
 Trendelenburg position

1. Recumbent or Supine Position

In this position the patient lies flat on his bed with the pillow at the head end, leg extended or
slightly flexed a small pillow under his knees usually makes him comfortable. Cotton rings
under both the elbows and heals, air cushion under the buttocks will take off the pressure and
there by prevent the bed sores. A footrest is used to prevent the foot drop.

For bed ridden patient, extra articles required

1. Elbow and heel rings - 2+2

2. Air cushion
3. Foot rest

Uses:

 This position is used during physical examination.

Dorsal recumbent position

The patient lies on his back with the leg separated and knees flexed. The soles of the foot rest
flat on the bed or table. The patient has one pillow under the head.

Uses:

This position is used for vaginal, rectal examination, catheterization and perineal care.

Semi-Recumbent Position

The patient lies on the bed with two or more pillows, which may be arranged in armchair
fashion to support the shoulders, arms and elbows. This position is used in convalescence
and minor respiratory disease. Additional comfort may be provided by means of pillow and
joint support by means of knee pillows and foot support.

2. Lateral position or Side Lying Position

The patient lies on his side with both the knees slightly flexed towards the abdomen, one
knee more acutely than the other. A pillow under the head supports the head, a pillow at the
back gives support to the back, a pillow in front supports the arms and abdomen, a pillow
between the knees takes weight of the upper leg.

Uses:

Giving enemas, inserting suppositories, rectal examination, taking rectal temperature and for
unconscious patients.

3. Fowler’s Position

It is a semi sitting position in which an effort is made to maintain the position of patient in
sitting posture as nearly as upright as possible. This position can be maintained by means of
back rest and additional pillows. The arms should be supported on pillows so that the patient
sits with arms supported in an arm chair fashion. An air cushion under the buttocks prevents
pressure over the sacrum. The knees may be raised over a pillow bolster to prevent the
patient from slipping.

Precaution

As with other positions, change of position is important to prevent the circulation from
getting sluggish that clots are apt to form in the blood vessels, which may lead to pulmonary
embolism.

Uses:

This position is used for facilitating drainage from abdomen, chest cavities and also to
localise infection (e.g. peritonitis, to relieve dyspnea to relieve tension on the abdominal
sutures, to relax large muscles of back and thighs. Give a sense of well being and enable him
to take part in self care.

4. Sim’s Position

In this position the patient lies on his left side, one pillow is placed under the head with the
left cheek resting on it. The left arm is drawn behind the back and the right arm may be in
any position comfortable for the patient. The right thigh is flexed against the abdomen.

Uses:

Used for rectal examination.

5. Lithotomy Position

In this position the patient lies on her back with a small pillow for her head. Hips are flexed
and slightly abducted and knees are acutely flexed. The patient needs support for her feet if
she is to maintain this position for a long time.
Uses:

This position is used for urethral and vaginal examination, operations and catheterization.

6. Prone Position

In this position the patient lies flat in bed, face is downward and sideways with one pillow
under the waist and one under the ankles.

Uses:

Used in postoperative cases like tonsillectomy, fistula operations, surgery of spine, injury on
back, burn over back, to prevent bedsores, to relieve abdominal distention and good postural
drainage.

7. Knee Chest Position

In this position the patient rests on the knees and the chest, the head is turned to one side with
cheek on a small pillow and a small pillow may be placed under the chest. The arms are
above the head and they may be flexed at the elbows and rest along the side of the head so as
to support the patient partially. The weight should rest on chest and knees. The knees are
flexed as in kneeing position and the thighs are at right angle to the knee.

Uses: Used for rectal examination, vaginal examination, management of prolapsed uterus,
cord prolapse and exercise for post partum cases.

8. Trendelenburg Position:

In this position patient lies on his back, the foot of the bed is elevated at 45oangle in the
operation theatre, the operation table can be adjusted to maintain this position. The patients
head is low, the body is on an inclined plain and the legs hang downwards over the end of the
table.

Uses:
1. Operation on pelvic organs in order to displace the intestines from pelvic cavity into
the upper abdomen.

2. To treat shock
3. To improve venous return from lower limbs.