[Prone position: postural treatment for patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome. The nurse's point of view]

Enferm Intensiva. 1998 Apr-Jun;9(2):36-41.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The prone position is a therapeutic strategy that can be beneficial in the treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In order to evaluate the advantages and possible complications associated with this postural change within the context of nursing, we analyzed retrospectively 71 turns carried out in 32 patients who met criteria for ARDS. The patient was turned by a team of 4 or 5 persons following a strict protocol. The PaO2/FIO2 ratio and SatO2 significantly increased in prone position, without any hemodynamic repercussions. No extubation or loss of vascular accesses or drainage tubes occurred. Complications included: facial edema, low-pressure lesions, and regurgitation of enteral nutrition.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bed Rest / adverse effects
  • Bed Rest / methods*
  • Bed Rest / nursing
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Prone Position*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / metabolism
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / nursing*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome