Patient Positioning • Supine- Someone in the supine position is lying on his or her

back.

• Prone -  Someone in the prone position is lying face down.

Right Lateral Recumbent- The Right lateral recumbent, or RLR, means that the patient is lying on their right side.Left Lateral Recumbet The left lateral recumbent, or LLR, means that the patient is lying on their left side. 

Fowler's Position- A person in the Fowler's position is sitting straight up or leaning slightly back. Their legs may either be straight or bent.  A ‘high fowlers’ position is somewhat who is sitting upright.  A ‘low fowlers’ position is someone whose head is only slightly elevated.Trendelenberg Position - A person in the Trendelenberg position is lying supine with their head slightly lower than their feet.

. Logrolling.

Abduction is movement away from the midline, or to abduct.   Adduction is movement toward the midline, or to add. 

REASONS FOR CHANGING THE POSITION OF A PATIENTThe following are reasons for changing a patient's position.To promote comfort and relaxation. To restore body function.

Changing positions improves gastrointestinal function. It also improves respiratory function.

Changing positions allows for greater lung expansion. It relieves pressure on the diaphragm.

To prevent deformities. When one lies in bed for long periods of time, muscles become atonic and atrophy. Prevention of deformities will allow the patient to ambulate when his activity level is advanced.

To relieve pressure and prevent strain (which lead to the formation of decubiti). To stimulate circulation. To give treatments (that is), range of motion exercises).

BASIC PRINCIPLES IN POSITIONING OF PATIENTS

• BASIC PRINCIPLES IN POSITIONING OF PATIENTS• Maintain good patient body alignment. Think of the patient in bed as

though he were standing. • Maintain the patient's safety. • Reassure the patient to promote comfort and cooperation. • Properly handle the patient's body to prevent pain or injury. • Keep in mind proper body mechanics for the practical nurse. • Obtain assistance, if needed, to move heavy or helpless patients. • Follow specific physician's orders. A physician's order, such as one of

the following, is needed for the patient to be out of bed. • "Up ad lib." • "Up as desired." • "OOB" (out of bed).

Prepared bu:

• Buhawe, janeth R.N;M.N