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Caring for a Patient in Prone Position

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11m of CPD
The prone position is a body position in which the patient lies flat on their stomach with their limbs unextended. Prone ventilation is the delivery of ventilation to a patient in this position.

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What is this article about?

Mechanical ventilation is usually delivered with the patient in the supine position, however, a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be manoeuvred into the prone position to assist with oxygenation when other traditional or advanced modes of ventilation have not been successful.

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Ausmed
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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a regular rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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What do others think?

1012 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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Portrait of Ann Barber
Ann Barber
23 Apr 2020
Good overall knowledge and understanding of this subject, and so I can better support family members as to why their loved one may be nursed this way.
KE
Kerrie Ellis
25 Apr 2020
an interesting article
MS
Maggie Sullivan
20 Apr 2023
Very interesting
MP
Michael Poots
25 Apr 2020
Succinct explanation of resident care
Portrait of Sikha Nyoni
Sikha Nyoni
03 May 2020
Very relavent to my practice with ventilation Well explained and simple to understand
DO
Diane O'Connor
13 Jun 2020
Very informative
CC
Carol cheng
25 Apr 2020
Very interesting, and that we may need to do CPR on back when pt coded until more hands to turn to supine position.
Portrait of Debra Smith
Debra Smith
23 Apr 2020
An excellent resource that is interesting.
SM
Susan McLaren
28 Apr 2020
This article is very relevant to the treatment of patients in some intensive care areas with COVID-19 infections
DM
Debbie Mullens
31 Jul 2020
Is a great subject with relevant information for all nurses. I've learned things I never knew
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