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. After: Extremity in which contrast was injected is kept straight for 6 to 8 hours. Flat, if femoral artery was used. Apply firm pressure on site for 15 minutes after the procedure. Myelogram (air contrast) Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post9op: HOB is lower than trunk. To disperse dye. Myelogram (oilAbased dye) Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post9op: Flat on bed for 6 to 8 hours To disperse dye. To prevent CSF leakage. Myelogram (waterAbased dye) Pre9op: surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post9op: HOB elevated for 8 hours. To prevent dye from irritating the meninges. Liver biopsy During: Supine with RIGHT side of upper abdomen exposedF RIGHT arm raised and extended behind and and overhead and shoulder. After: RIGHT sideAlying with pillow under puncture site. To expose the area. To apply pressure and minimize bleeding. Lung biopsy Flat supine with arms raised above head and hands health togetherF head and arms on pillow. To expose and provide easy access to the area. Renal biopsy PRONE with pillow under the abdomen and shoulders. To expose the area. Arteriovenous fistula Post9op: Elevate extremity Don’t sleep on affected sideF encourage exercise by squeezing a rubber ball. Don’t use AV arm for BP reading and venipuncture. Peritoneal Dialysis When outflow is inadequate: turn patient from side to side. Turning facilitates drainageF check for kinks in the tubing. Possible to have abdominal cramps and bloodAtinged