Fundamentals of Nursing Q 470
What type of client would benefit the most from an elevated head of the bed position?
A. Patient who had a hemorrhoidectomy.
B. Patient who had a laryngectomy.
C. Patient who had a liver biopsy.
D. Patient who had a lumbar puncture.
Correct Answer: B. Patient who had a laryngectomy.
Place a post-laryngectomy client with the head of bed elevated at 30-45 degrees to maintain a patent airway and reduce edema. Maintain an upright or sitting position during feedings (or place on the lap or in an infant seat); allow to remain in position for 30 minutes afterward. Promotes the flow of fluids and foods through gravity.
Option A: Post-operative hemorrhoidectomy position is supine position. Supine position, also known as Dorsal Decubitus, is the most frequently used position for procedures. In this position, the patient is face-up. The patient’s arms should be tucked at the patient’s sides with a bedsheet, secured with arm guards to sleds.
Option C: Liver biopsy patients should remain in a right side-lying position after the procedure. After the biopsy, the doctor will place a bandage over the cut on the abdomen. The client may be asked to lie on his right side after the biopsy, and he will need to remain lying down for a few hours. Health care professionals will typically check the vital signs regularly for 2 to 4 hours after the procedure.
Option D: After lumbar puncture, place the client in a supine position for at least 4 hours. As blood will distribute into the epidural space through few spinal segments superiorly and inferiorly, it is not essential to introduce it into the exact place at which the dural puncture was performed. After the procedure, the patient is asked to lie still in a supine position and is then mobilized.