Back Positioning

Place a flat, firm pillow under the person’s head so that the neck is straight and in line with the spine. 

Lift the feet slightly by placing a thin blanket under the calves. 

Slightly bend the elbows and rest patient’s hands on hips. 

Straighten the legs and place the feet (toes pointing up) on a padded board resting against the foot of the bed, at a 60 -90 degree angle.

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SIDE POSITIONING

After you have turned the patient onto their side, place the head in line with the spine.

Support the head and neck with a firm, flat pillow. 

Support the back with a pillow and have the patient wrap their arms around another pillow. 

Move the upper leg forward until the knee is bent, so it is raised above the lower leg.

Place a pillow under this leg to keep it at hip level. 

Slightly bend the lower knee and place a folded towel or blanket, or piece of foam, under it to keep the ankle off the bed.

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STOMACH POSITIONING

After turning the patient onto their stomach, turn the head to one side and place a pillow or folded towel under the cheek. 

Move the arms up so that the bent elbows are in line with the shoulders.

Place folded towels under the chest and stomach.

Straighten legs.  Support the ankles and raise the toes off the bed by using a rolled towel or small rolled blanket.