Client positions

semi-fowlers

supine with head of bed elevated 15-45 degrees.

semi-fowlers benefits

prevents regurgiation, aspiration of difficulty swallowing, and promotes lung expansion

Fowlers

supine, head of bed elevated 45-60

Fowlers benefits

useful during procedures

High fowlers

supine, head of bed 90 degrees

High fowlers benefits

helps lung expansion, aspiration, and shortness of breath

Supine/dorsol recumbent

flat on back

supine/dorsol recumbent benefits

foot board used to prevent foot drop, vertebrae are in line without excessive flexion/extension of head/neck

Prone

lies flat on abdomen/chest with head to one side

prone benefits

pillow might be under leg, promotes drainage from mouth after throat/oral surgery, only short term, **helps with hip flexion contractures after lower extremity amputation.

lateral/side lying

lies on side. weight on dependent hip/shoulder. pillows under head/neck, upper arms, and legs/thighs

Orthopenic

sits in bed/at bedside with pillow on over bed table. table over lap with arms resting on table.

orthopenic benefits

allows for chest expansion and benefits clients with COPD

trendelenburg

entire bed titled with the head lower

trendelenburg benefits

helps with venous return

reverse trendelenburg

entire bed tilted with foot lowered

reverse trendelenburg benefits

gastric emptying and prevents reflux

modified trendelenbug

flat with legs above level of heart

modified trendelenburg benefits

prevents/treats hypovolcemia(low blood volume) and facilitates venous return