Lecture Notes: Fowler's Position

Fowler's Position is a term that originates from a surgeon and is used to describe various positions a patient can be placed in based on the angle of the head of their bed. Understanding these positions is crucial, especially in medical settings.

Overview of Fowler's Positions

• Patient Positioning:
  • Lying on their back
  • Knees can be flexed or extended
  • Focus is on the angle of the head of the bed

Types of Fowler's Positions

1. Low Fowler's

• Angle: 15 to 30°
• Almost supine but with slight elevation

2. Semi Fowler's

• Angle: 30 to 45°
• Note: Sometimes grouped with Low Fowler's as just Semi with an angle up to 30°
• Usage:
  • Beneficial for patients with breathing problems (e.g., heart failure)
  • Reduces upper body swelling post-surgery (e.g., neck surgery)
  • Helps decrease intracranial pressure
  • Useful for GI feedings to prevent aspiration
  • Good for patients needing suctioning or in critical care to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia

3. Fowler's

• Angle: 45 to 60°
• Usage:
  • Beneficial for eating, drinking, and easing respiratory problems

4. High Fowler's

• Angle: 60 to 90°
• Usage:
  • Helpful for nasogastric tube insertion
  • Used for patients with autonomic dysreflexia (condition in patients with spinal cord injury at T6 or higher)
  • Eases blood pressure by positioning at 90°

Risks Associated with Fowler's Positions

• Pressure Injuries: Risk for pressure injuries due to prolonged positioning:
  • Sacral area
  • Coccyx area
  • Shoulders
  • Spine
  • Heels

Additional Resources

• Review video on autonomic dysreflexia for further understanding.

Note: It is important to adhere to specific protocols regarding bed angles, especially in cases of tube feeding and critical care, to avoid complications like aspiration.