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S U R G I C A L
A C C E S S
CHALLENGING POPULATION Heavier patients
present with unique positioning needs.
armboard is padded correctly; place adequate padding between the legs; and
ensure a safety strap secures the patient
to the table.
• Prone. Ensure female patients' breasts
and male patients' testicles are not com-
POSITIONING PEARLS
Prevent Pressure Injuries
promised. Pad underneath the knees and
ensure the tops of the feet aren't touching
hen positioning patients for
W
the bed surface. Position the patient's
optimal surgical access,
head in a headrest that places no external
padded. Here are positioning pointers for
out and into the stirrups slowly and simul-
4 commonly used positions from Jay
taneously. Ensure the heels are adequate-
Bowers, BSN, RN, CNOR, TNCC, surgical
ly padded and the buttocks remain on the
services educator at West Virginia
surgical surface.
also take the time to ensure pressure on the eyes or nose.
key pressure points are protected and
University Hospitals in Morgantown.
• Supine. This is the easiest position to
• Lithotomy. Move the patient's legs up,
When removing patients from stirrups,
lift the legs simultaneously, bring them
place patients in, but don't ignore the
together, but lower them to the table one
importance of protecting pressure points.
at a time so blood gradually drains from
Place gel or foam pads under the ankles
the legs instead of rushing back to the
so the heels don't touch the bed and
heart.
under the elbows to avoid skin break— Daniel Cook
down.
• Lateral. Pad under the down leg; place
a support along the back from just under
the arm to the top of the thigh to ensure
the patient doesn't move mid-procedure;
ensure the arm extended on the lateral
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SUPPLEMENT
TO
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | J A N U A R Y 2014
