Today our topic of discussion is Lateral Position.
Lateral Position
Patient lies on left side with legs flexed at thighs. The upper leg is flexed more than the lower. A pillow is kept in front of the abdomen and at the back and one under the upper leg .
Indications
- Lateral position is used for giving back care enemas and colonic irrigation
- Used for examination of perineum or rectum inserting suppositories
- For taking rectal temperature
- For change of position
- Later position is a relaxing position
- Giving back care
Procedure
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Provide privacy
- For left lateral position, place the patient on left side with buttocks to the edge of bed, both thighs flexed and left arm underneath
- For right lateral-position, place the patient on right side with buttocks to the edge of bed, both thighs flexed and right arm underneath .
- Place air ring under the hips to reduce pressure on trochanters and at the hip joints, the cotton rings or foam pads under the ankles of lower legs to reduce the pressure on ankles
- Align the patient in good position and make sure the patient is not lying on his arm .
- Support the body parts in good alignment for comfort.
Left lateral-position: With one pillow under the head, patient is placed to lie on the left side. Uses of left lateral-positions are:
- For giving enema.
- For inserting suppositories .
- To take rectal examination.
- To take rectal temperature.
Contraindications of this position are:
- After hip surgery
- After orthopedic surgery.
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