In most settings, proper positioning of patients provides airway management and ventilation, maintains body alignment, and provides physiologic safety. In surgery, specimen collection, or other treatments, proper patient positioning provides optimal exposure to the surgical/treatment site and maintenance of the patient’s dignity by controlling unnecessary exposure. Positioning patients is an essential aspect of nursing practice and a responsibility of the registered nurse. Patient positioning involves properly maintaining a patient’s neutral body alignment by preventing hyperextension and extreme lateral rotation to prevent complications of immobility and injury. Support Devices for Patient Positioning.Learn about the different patient positioning guidelines, how to properly position the patient, and the nursing considerations and interventions you need to know. In this guide for patient positioning, learn about the common bed positions such as Fowler’s, dorsal recumbent, supine, prone, lateral, lithotomy, Sims’, Trendelenburg’s, and other surgical positions commonly used.
