Patient Positioning, Mobility and Pressure-Injury Prevention

Safe positioning supports comfort, ventilation, circulation, skin integrity, and procedure access. The correct position depends on the patient’s condition, goals of care, and safety risks.

Common Positions

• Supine: lying on the back.
• Prone: lying on the abdomen.
• Lateral: side-lying.
• Sims: modified side-lying position commonly used for selected procedures.
• Fowler: head of bed elevated.
• High Fowler: more upright position often helpful for breathing.

Mobility Assessment

Before assisting movement, assess strength, balance, cognition, pain, dizziness, lines and devices, recent surgery, weight-bearing restrictions, and the need for equipment or additional staff.

Body Mechanics

Keep the load close to the body, widen the base of support, avoid twisting, adjust bed height, and use approved transfer aids when available. Do not manually lift beyond safe limits.

Pressure-Injury Prevention

Risk reduction includes regular repositioning when indicated, pressure redistribution, moisture control, nutrition support, skin inspection, mobility promotion, and device-related pressure checks.

Falls Prevention

Keep the environment clear, ensure appropriate footwear, place essential items within reach, use mobility aids correctly, and follow local fall-risk procedures.