Patient Body Positions and Purposes

Flashcards defining the 10 essential patient positions, describing patient orientation and primary clinical purposes based on the lecture notes.

Supine

The patient lies flat on back, face up; main purpose is exams and surgery.

Prone

The patient lies flat on stomach, face down; main purpose is back exams and procedures.

Fowler's

The patient lies with head elevated $45^{}-60^{}$ ; main purpose is to improve breathing and eating

Semi-Fowler's

The patient lies with head elevated $30{-}45^{}$ knees slightly bent ;main purpose is breathing and comfort and reduces pressure on the abdomen.

High-Fowler's

The patient is sitting upright $60^{}{-}90^{}$ ; main purpose is for reducing respiratory distress and aids eating.

Lateral

The patient lies on one side, knees bent, and head supported; main purpose is to relieve pressure an improve comfort.

Sims

The patient lies on the left side with the upper knee bent forward; main purpose is for enemas and rectal exams.

Trendelenburg

The patient lies with head lower than feet (horizontal recumbent position) ; main purpose is certain procedures and surgeries.

Reverse Trendelenburg

The patient lies on back with head higher than feet; main purpose is to reduce acid reflux and aids breathing.

Lithotomy

The patient lies on back with legs raised and knees bent ; main purpose is for pelvic exams and childbirth.