Group: 8

Section: N32

Date: September

Topic: Proper positioning to promote good airway

Introduction
Proper positioning is crucial in promoting a patent and open airway, ensuring adequate
oxygenation, and preventing airway obstruction.
Proper positioning is tailored to the patient's condition and should be done carefully to
avoid any additional injury or discomfort. It's essetial to maitain vigilance and
continually assess the patient's airway to ensure it remains open clear, especially in
emergency situations or when caring for individuals with respiratory difficulties.

Common conditions:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

2. Gastroentestinal Reflux Disease (GERD)
3. Pregnancy
4. Chronic Obstructive pulmonary Disease (COPD)
5. Heart Failure
6. Neck or facial Trauma
7. Pneumonia
8. Muscular dystrophy
9. Dysphagia ( difficulty swallong )
10. Post-Operative Care
11. Allergic reactions
12 Stroke
13. Brain Injury
14. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
15. Severe asthma

Positions:

1. Head-Tilt chin lift- This classic manuever involves tilting the patient's head backward
and lifting the chin to align the airway. This is to open the airway when there is no
suspicion of neck injury. This position helps prevent the tongue from blocking the
throat, ensuring an unobstructed airflow
2. Jaw trust Maneuver: The jaw trust is an alternative to the head-tilt chin lift, primarily
used when there is suspected neck injury. In this maneuver, you gently lift the jaw
forward without tilting the head. This action helps maintain the alignment of the airway
without risking spinal cord injury

3. Semi fowlers position; This positioning envolves raising the head and upper body of a
patient to a semi-upright position (usually 30-45 degree angle). Its commonly used for
patients in respiratory distress or those who need improved lung expansions. This
position can help reduce the work of breathing and enhance oxygenation.

4. recovery position: The recovery position is used for unconsius patients who are
breathing. It involves placing the aptient on their side with the upper leg bent at a right
breathing. This position helps prevent airway obstruction by allowing fluids to drain
from the mouth and preventing the tongue from falling back.

5. Prone positioning: This involves placing a patient on their stomach. While this
position is more complex and is typically used in critical care setting( e.g for acute
respiratory distress syndrome), it can help improve oxygenation in certain cases.

6. Lateral Recumbent position: In cases where the recovery position involves placing
the patient on their side with their head tilted slightly backward. This position helps
maintain airway patency and is useful for patients with compromised airways.

Preventions to avoid airway obstructions

1. Maintain Proper Posture

2. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
3. Stay hydrated
4. Manage Allergies
5. Maintain healthy weight
6. Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed
7. Practice good oral hygiene
8. Address respiratory infectious promptly
9. Use humidifiers
10. Stay informed about medications
learn basic firsta aid
11. Regulr exercise
12. Manage stress
13. Annual check-ups

Heath Teachings:
1. Explain why maintaining a clear airway is crucial for effective breathing and
oxygenations
2. Emphasize that proper positioning can prevent airway obstruction and improve
overall respiratory function
3. Encourage individuals to sleep on their back in a lateral recumbent position (on their
side)
4. Discuss the benefits of elevating the ehad of the bed at 30-45 degree angle for those
who are experiencing acid reflux or sleep apnea
5. Explain how pillows and positioning aids can support the head and upper body
during sleep, especially for individuals who have difficulty breating while lying flat
6. DEscribe the orthopneic position (sitting up and leaning forward) - helps for
individual with heart failure or severe distress breathe more comfortably
7. Avoid against consuming alcohol or sedative medications, particularly close to
bedtime, as they can relax the throat muscle and contribute to airway obstruction
8. Discuss the link between obesity and airway obstruction, and encourage weight
management through a balanced diet and exercise.
9. Provide information and resoucers for smoking cessation programs to reduce airway
irritation and improve lung function
10. Explain the importance of staying hydrated to keep airway secretions thin and easy
to clear
11. Emphasize the need for good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to prevent
infections or dental issues that could affect the airway
12. Encourage regular check ups and respiratory assessments, especially to individuals
wih chronic respiratory conditions.
13. Discuss sleep hygiene practices, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule,
creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine or heavy meals close
to bedtime.
14. Enocurage open communication between individuals and healthcare providers to
address any concerns or questions about respiratory health and proper positioning
15. promote overall healthy lifestyle choices, including regualr exercise, a balance diet,
and stress management, as they can positively impact respiratory health.