A Comprehensive Guide to Patient Positions in Medical Beds

Have you ever seen any ward in a hospital? Or ever seen the patients stuffing pillows under their legs or their backs to adjust in a particular position which makes things a bit better for them? But what if despite feeling comfortable, their positioning is just improper? Will it matter? Of course, it will, because improper patient positioning in medical beds can lead to several other complications such as bed sores, ulcers and possible blood clots.

When it comes to patient care, patient positioning is an important factor too. But why does it matter? Have you ever noticed that medical beds have different kinds of advanced adjustments? Why such a need for adjustments? The answer goes back to the American surgeon Dr. Fowler, who noticed that patient positioning matters a lot in a patient’s recovery. Now since we are talking about this it is important to remember that patient positioning in medical beds doesn’t just mean making your patient comfortable. In fact, it influences everything, from respiratory function to blood circulation and also prevents your patient from possible sores. That’s why patient positioning is not only important but plays a genuine role in a patient’s recovery. But there is nothing like universal one position but there are several positions which aid in patient care. With Neolight Creations, let us explore each position and its benefits. First, let’s understand what a proper patient positioning can do.

Proper Patient Positioning:

When your patient is in post-operative care or prolonged stay in the hospital, they tend to develop several issues such as inefficient physiological function and can experience adverse effects of improper positioning. And if the patient has respiratory issues or a heart ailment, it could be worse for them as they can develop bedsores and also difficulty in breathing. For patients with less mobility, proper patient positioning even becomes more crucial. As we know prolonged immobility and poor posture can lead to muscle stiffness. Usually, muscle stiffness causes poor blood circulation and this poor blood circulation increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). So, we can see improper positioning triggers a kind of chain reaction. Neolight Creations has crafted a Comprehensive guide for you to understand each patient positioning in medical beds.

Read More: Semi Fowler Beds: Modern Healthcare with Premium Features

Common Patient Positions in Medical Beds:

Whenever doctors go on round-the-clock routine checks on patients, they often suggest a proper positioning for them since it affects their recovery. There are several patient positions in medical beds that support and address various health issues. At Neolight Creations, our medical beds offer positions that help them in their recovery. Let us explore them!

Fowler’s Position:

Named after its inventor, and American surgeon George Ryerson Fowler, Fowler position is simply a semi-sitting position. It is the position where the medical bed can be raised 45-90 degree angle. Such a position allows lung expansion and this promotes better breathing as it can facilitate more air to fill our lungs. Fowler’s position is often advised for patients who are suffering from heart conditions and respiratory problems. Also, semi-sitting and upright position allows comfort for patients so they can perform their usual tasks easily such as having meals and communicating with people. 

Semi-Fowler’s Position:

Just like a Fowler bed allows adjustability for patients, the Semi-Fowler position allows an angle of up to 30-45 degree. Though this isn’t an upright position, however, still provides a reclining angle to patients. This reclining position is suitable for the patients who don’t need one. Since any sitting position allows better lung expansion, it supports and improves breathing. Similar to Fowler’s position, it is advised for people who have heart ailments, or respiratory issues or are in post-operative care. 

Trendelenburg Position:

When there is an improper supply to the upper body, this position is most recommended for patients. In the Trendelenburg position, the bed becomes tilted which means the patient’s head is lower than their feet. This promotes proper blood flow to the upper body. In conditions like Hypotension or for certain surgical procedures, this position is recommended. 

Prone Position:

Many of us prefer this as our sleeping pattern, lying on our stomachs with our faces turned to one side. In medical bed positioning terms, it is called the Prone position. In healthcare, this position is used for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or for those who go through spinal surgery. Also, this is the best position for patients who have certain lung conditions to improve oxygenation. 

Read More: Types of Hospital Beds and Their Benefits and Uses

Lateral Position:

In this hospital bed position, the patient lies on either the left or the right side. The top leg is often flexed at the hip and knee where pillows are used for support. This relieves pressure on the sacrum, and it is useful for procedures requiring access to one side of the body. If the patient is facing difficulty lying on their back, this medical bed position helps them and improves breathing too. 

Reverse Trendelenburg Position:

Just like its name, the Reverse Trendelenburg position is just opposite to a Trendelenburg. In this bed position, patient’s feet are lower than their head. It reduces acid reflux, promotes respiratory function, and minimizes swelling in the head. Also, it is useful for patients with heart failure. 

Supine Position: 

The patient lies flat on their back with their face up, typically with their arms at their sides (Flat on the Back). This is a common position used for general examinations, resting, and during procedures that require the patient to be supine. It’s often used post-surgery when patients need to be kept flat. Not only it allows easy accessibility to the front of the body but also provides good spinal alignment. Thus, for short periods, this medical bed position is comfortable. 

Neolight Creations’ Final Words!

In healthcare, proper patient positioning in medical beds is very important as it affects their recovery. Healthcare professionals and also, caregivers must have a comprehensive understanding of these medical bed positions, since this can ensure a speedy recovery and can provide patients with the comfort they need. By carefully assessing this curated comprehensive guide by Neolight Creations, healthcare providers can utilize the power of proper positioning. It will not only enhance patient well-being but will promote better outcomes. Neolight Creations wishes you happy healing!

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