Burton
Funds of Nsg Care 3e
Skill 16-02
PROCEDURE CHECKLIST
Chapter 16, Skill 16-02: Positioning Patients
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PROCEDURE STEPS
1. Determines the position the patient has most
recently been in, then determines the position to
use next, or determines the position most
appropriate to the patient’s needs. Determines if
any positions are contraindicated for this patient,
and if help is needed.
2. Obtains slide sheets or other type of assistive
device if needed.
3. Follows the “Initial Implementation Steps.”
4. For the supine position:
• Assists the patient to turn onto his or her
back.
• Places pillows beneath the patient’s head,
arms, and knees.
• Elevates the head of the bed slightly if it
is more comfortable for the patient.
5. For the Fowler’s position:
• Assists the patient to the supine position.
• Elevate the head of the bed:
45° to 60° for the Fowler’s position
30° to 45° for the low or semi-Fowler’s
position
60° to 90° for the high Fowler’s position
• Places pillows behind the patient’s head
and under his or her knees.
6. For the lateral position:
• Assists the patient to turn onto his or her
right or left side.
• Flexes the knee of the upper leg and rests
it on a pillow placed between the
patient’s legs.
• Places a pillow under the patient’s head
and pulls the lower shoulder just slightly
forward.
• Folds a pillow lengthwise and places it at
the patient’s back. Tucks the edges of the
pillow beneath the patient’s back.
• For the lateral oblique position, follows
Copyright © 2019, F. A. Davis Company
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NO
COMMENTS
Burton
Funds of Nsg Care 3e
Skill 16-02
the steps above except places the top leg
behind the body.
7. For the left Sims’ position:
• Assists the patient onto his or her left
side, then moves the patient so that he or
she is lying partially on his or her
stomach. Turns the patient’s head to the
right.
• Flexes the right arm at a 90° angle at the
elbow and supports it with a pillow.
• Flexes the right leg and places the thigh
on a pillow, keeping the left leg resting
on the bed with the knee slightly flexed.
• Pulls the left shoulder slightly back so it
is not under the patient. The left arm
should rest along the patient’s back.
8. For the prone position:
• Assists the patient to the lateral position,
then onto the abdomen, with his or her
head turned to the side.
• Moves the arms to a 90° angle at the
elbow and supports them on pillows.
• Places a small pillow or folded towel
beneath the patient’s abdomen.
9. Follows the “Ending Steps.”
10. Documents position change on flow sheet.
Recommendation: Pass _____ Needs more practice _____
Student:
Date:
Instructor:
Date:
Copyright © 2019, F. A. Davis Company