Patient Positioning Cheat Sheet 2025
Compiled by Denny
Year: 2025
, Patient Positioning Cheat Sheet 2023
Positioning patients correctly is important for a variety of reasons. In surgery, proper positioning provides optimal exposure of the
surgical site and maintenance of the patient’s dignity by controlling unnecessary exposure. Additionally, positioning patients provides
airway management and ventilation, maintaining body alignment, and provide physiologic safety. Here’s a list of the common
conditions, procedures, and diseases with their recommended position and rationale for each.
Condition Position Rationale & Additional Info
Bronchoscopy After: SemiAFowler’s To reduce aspiration risk from difficulty of swallowing
Cerebral angiography During: Flat on bed with arms at sidesF kept still. Apply firm pressure on site for 15 minutes after the
d
procedure.
ve
After: Extremity in which contrast was injected is kept
straight for 6 to 8 hours. Flat, if femoral artery was
used.
er
Myelogram (air contrast) Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various To disperse dye.
es
positions during test.
Post9op: HOB is lower than trunk.
R
Myelogram (oilAbased dye) Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various To disperse dye.
ts
positions during test.
h
Post9op: Flat on bed for 6 to 8 hours
To prevent CSF leakage.
ig
R
Myelogram (waterAbased Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various
dye) positions during test.
ll
A
Post9op: HOB elevated for 8 hours. To prevent dye from irritating the meninges.
–
Liver biopsy During: Supine with RIGHT side of upper abdomen To expose the area.
exposedF RIGHT arm raised and extended behind
5
and and overhead and shoulder.
After: RIGHT sideAlying with pillow under puncture site.
02
To apply pressure and minimize bleeding.
,2
Lung biopsy Flat supine with arms raised above head and hands To expose and provide easy access to the area.
health togetherF head and arms on pillow.
ny
Renal biopsy PRONE with pillow under the abdomen and shoulders. To expose the area.
en
Arteriovenous fistula Post9op: Elevate extremity Don’t sleep on affected sideF encourage exercise by
squeezing a rubber ball.
D
Don’t use AV arm for BP reading and venipuncture.
©
Peritoneal Dialysis When outflow is inadequate: turn patient from side to Turning facilitates drainageF check for kinks in the
side. tubing.
Possible to have abdominal cramps and bloodAtinged
outflow if catheter was placed in the last 1A2
weeks.
Cloudy outflow is never normal.
Meniere's Disease Change position slowlyF bedrest during acute phase Provide protection when ambulating
Autografting Immobilize site for 3 to 7 days. To promote healing and maximal adhesion.
Internal radiation, during Strict bedrest while implant is in place To prevent dislodgement of the implant device.
treatment Provide own urinal or bedpan to patient.
Compiled by Denny
Year: 2025
, Patient Positioning Cheat Sheet 2023
Positioning patients correctly is important for a variety of reasons. In surgery, proper positioning provides optimal exposure of the
surgical site and maintenance of the patient’s dignity by controlling unnecessary exposure. Additionally, positioning patients provides
airway management and ventilation, maintaining body alignment, and provide physiologic safety. Here’s a list of the common
conditions, procedures, and diseases with their recommended position and rationale for each.
Condition Position Rationale & Additional Info
Bronchoscopy After: SemiAFowler’s To reduce aspiration risk from difficulty of swallowing
Cerebral angiography During: Flat on bed with arms at sidesF kept still. Apply firm pressure on site for 15 minutes after the
d
procedure.
ve
After: Extremity in which contrast was injected is kept
straight for 6 to 8 hours. Flat, if femoral artery was
used.
er
Myelogram (air contrast) Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various To disperse dye.
es
positions during test.
Post9op: HOB is lower than trunk.
R
Myelogram (oilAbased dye) Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various To disperse dye.
ts
positions during test.
h
Post9op: Flat on bed for 6 to 8 hours
To prevent CSF leakage.
ig
R
Myelogram (waterAbased Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various
dye) positions during test.
ll
A
Post9op: HOB elevated for 8 hours. To prevent dye from irritating the meninges.
–
Liver biopsy During: Supine with RIGHT side of upper abdomen To expose the area.
exposedF RIGHT arm raised and extended behind
5
and and overhead and shoulder.
After: RIGHT sideAlying with pillow under puncture site.
02
To apply pressure and minimize bleeding.
,2
Lung biopsy Flat supine with arms raised above head and hands To expose and provide easy access to the area.
health togetherF head and arms on pillow.
ny
Renal biopsy PRONE with pillow under the abdomen and shoulders. To expose the area.
en
Arteriovenous fistula Post9op: Elevate extremity Don’t sleep on affected sideF encourage exercise by
squeezing a rubber ball.
D
Don’t use AV arm for BP reading and venipuncture.
©
Peritoneal Dialysis When outflow is inadequate: turn patient from side to Turning facilitates drainageF check for kinks in the
side. tubing.
Possible to have abdominal cramps and bloodAtinged
outflow if catheter was placed in the last 1A2
weeks.
Cloudy outflow is never normal.
Meniere's Disease Change position slowlyF bedrest during acute phase Provide protection when ambulating
Autografting Immobilize site for 3 to 7 days. To promote healing and maximal adhesion.
Internal radiation, during Strict bedrest while implant is in place To prevent dislodgement of the implant device.
treatment Provide own urinal or bedpan to patient.
