ALADI ARUNA COLLEGE OF NURSING
TYPES OF POSITION
POSITION IMAGE DESCRIBTION PURPOSE
SUPINE POSITION Patient lies flat on Physical exam of
the back with head, chest/abdomen,
neck, and shoulders. surgery under
anesthesia,
rest/sleep.
Patient lies flat on Promotes drainage
PRONE POSITION abdomen with head post oral/throat
turned to one side. surgery, relieves
back pressure,
To improves
oxygenation in
ARDS.
Patient lies on one Relieves pressure
LATERAL side with lower arm on sacrum/back,
POSITION(SIDE- behind, upper arm
LYING) flexed, knees flexed unconscious
patient care,
enema
administration
Improves
FOWLER’S Patient upright: breathing, used in
POSITION Low (15–30°) cardiac/respiratory
Semi (30–45°) patients,
High (60–90°).
NG tube feeding
post-op recovery.
Supine with head Promotes venous
TRENDELENBURG lower than feet return in shock,
POSITION (15–30°) tilt. facilitates
abdominal/pelvic
drainage.
Supine with head Promotes gastric
REVERSE higher and feet emptying,
TRENDELENBURG lower. prevents reflux,
POSITION
improves cerebral
perfusion.
Supine, hips & Gynecological,
LITHOTOMY knees flexed, thighs rectal, urological
POSITION apart, feet in exams/surgeries,
stirrups. childbirth,
catheterization.
Patient rests on For rectal/vaginal
knees and chest, exams, relieves
head to side. umbilical cord
KNEE–CHEST
pressure in
POSITION
obstetric
(GENUPECTORAL)
emergencies.
Left side-lying, Rectal exams,
SIMS’POSITION right knee/thigh suppositories,
flexed, left arm enemas, promotes
behind. oral secretion
drainage.
DORSAL Supine with knees Perineal exam and
RECOMBENT flexed, feet flat on catheterization
(MODIFIED) bed. (without stirrups).
Patient sits upright, Relieves dyspnea
ORTHOPNEIC leans forward, arms in COPD/asthma,
POSITION(TRIPOD) supported on maximizes chest
table/pillow expansion
