Question

in what instances is the patient positioned prone? are there certain groups of patients who might benefit from this position? are there other patients who should not be placed in this position?

Answer 1

PRONE POSITION

The prone position is a type of positioning in which the patient lies on the abdomen with limbs extended.

Benefits of prone position

• Improves the oxygenation
• Improves the respiratory mechanism
• Facilitate the drainage of secretions
• Decreases ventilator-associated lung injury
• Increases lung volume and decreases the amount of atelectatic region

Patients who get the benefit from the prone position

The patient suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is maneuvered into the prone position to assist with oxygenation.

Possible complication due to prone position

• Hemodynamic changes
• Endotracheal tube displacement
• Hypoxia
• Cardiac arrest

Contraindication for prone position

• Spinal instability
• Unstable fractures
• Anterior burns
• Shock
• Recent tracheal surgery
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Pregnancy