fowler's position

This position, or a variation of it, is used for feeding patient's in bed, for certain treatments and procedures, for the patient's comfort while visiting or watching television, and for those who have trouble breathing.

1. Start with the patient on the back, in the middle of the bed and in good alignment. The patient's hips should be at the place where the bend bends when the bed head is rolled up. Place the head of the bed at 30° for semi-Fowler's, 45° to 60° for Fowler's, and 90° for high Fowler's.

2. Place one or two pillows behind the patient's head to extend four to five inches below the patient's shoulders.

3. Flex elbows and place a pillow under each arm to prevent pull on the shoulders.

4. Place a pillow under each leg to extend from above the knee and to the ankle, to prevent pressure on heels.

5. Place footboard or folded pillow to keep feet in position, if necessary.

http://www.moondragon.org/health/disorders/patientpositions.html