Support Union Test Prep
Support us and begin preparing Ad-free for your tests with
Union Test Prep.
At Union Test Prep, we are a small team dedicated to bringing the best test-prep material to you, free of cost. But we cannot do it without your support.
Support us today and start preparing for your test without the intrusion of ads.
Support NowWhen positioning patients, some of the position names are less descriptive than others. Sims’ position is one of those. There are a number of scenarios in which Sims’ position is ideal for a patient. Here, we will detail the position, its uses, and its benefits.
Sims’ position is sometimes referred to as a semi-prone position as it is halfway between lateral (lying on the side) and prone (lying on the stomach). Most often, Sims’ position refers to lying on the left side, so sometimes you may hear it called left lateral Sims’ position.
When the patient is lying on their left side:
It is important to cushion pressure points like the knee, head, and elbow with pillows or padding if the patient will stay in this position.
Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sims%27_position
Sims’ position is commonly used when administering an enema because it allows for visualization of the perineum and the descending colon is lower, which allows the fluid to flow more easily. It is also used during pregnancy and childbirth.
For several reasons, this position is often helpful for patients that are unconscious or paralyzed. For patients that cannot move and reposition themselves, Sims ‘position reduces the pressure on the hips and the sacrum, which are often responsible for decubitus ulcers. Additionally, the tilt of the chest and position of the head allows for secretions to drain out of the mouth with a much lower risk of aspiration.
For hospitalized, bedridden, or immobile patients, one of the most impo…
Urinalysis: What’s Tested and Why?
Urinalysis: What’s Tested and Why? Urinalysis is a test that examines …
Where Do Nurses Make the Most Money?
When searching for a nursing job, many nurses will look for a combinati…