Patient Positioning

Front 1

Fowlers

Back 1

Head of bed at 45 to 60 degree angle; hips flexed
Frequently used for client with respiratory compromise.

Front 2

Semi-Fowlers

Back 2

Head of bed at 30 to 45 degree angle; hips flexed.
Cardiac, respiratory, neurosurgical conditions.

Front 3

Low Fowlers

Back 3

Head of bed at 15 to 30 degree angle; hips may or may not be flexed.
Post-op, GI conditions.

Front 4

Trendelenburg

Back 4

Head of bed lowered and foot raised; knee gatch straight.
Thoracic percussion, vibration, and drainage procedure. Compromises respiratory function; client should not be left in position for extended time.

Front 5

Modified Trendelenburg

Back 5

Head of bed flat or slightly elevated; legs elevated about 20 degrees; knees should be straight.
May be used for client in shock: promotes movement of fluids from lower extremities into circulation. Minimizes respiratory compromise.

Front 6

Lateral ( side-lying)

Back 6

Head of bed lowered; pillows under arm and legs and behind back; flex knee of anterior side.
For client comfort; increasese uterine and renal perfusion in pregnancy and prevents supine vena cava syndrome during labor.

Front 7

Semi-prone ( Sims)

Back 7

Head of bed lowered; client placed on side with dependent shoulder lifted out and lying partially on abdomen; place pillow under flexed arm and under upper flexed knees.
Prevents pressure ulcer; used for comfort.

Front 8

Lithotomy

Back 8

On back with thigh flexed against abdomen and legs supported by stirrups.
For examination of female reproductive tract and rectum, cystoscopy, and surgical procedures.

Front 9

Prone

Back 9

Head of bed flat, client on abdomen, head turned to side.
To promote drainage after tonsillectomy; to prevent contracutres in clients with above-the-knee amputation, to protect client with imperforate anus, or spina bifida

Front 10

Supine

Back 10

Bed in flat postion, small pillow under head.
For client comfort.