Positioning Pulmonary

Question 1

In unilateral lung conditions the affected side should be positioned where? (Atelectasis, pneumonia)

Answer 1

Uppermost- to improve ventilation/perfusion ratio

Question 2

When should you not have the affected lung uppermost?

Answer 2

When the patient has a bronchopleural fistula and is on positive pressure ventilation as it can cause a leakage through the fistula