Why and How Proning in Ventilated Patient is Done?
Proning is a well recognised method in medical practice which is adopted by medical practitioners for the patients in intensive care. In this method a patient is placed on his stomach (instead of his back) by slightly and carefully moving his body with the intention to improving breathing as well as better oxygenation. The idea behind adopting proning technique is to improve lungs functioning in the patients so that they could breathe normally.
- Checkout: When To Put Patient on Ventilator
Proning and Ventilation
Ventilator is normally considered the solution for the patients having breathing or respiratory problems. This ventilator can be non-invasive or invasive depending on the condition of the patient. Sometimes, when a patient is more sick or dealing with ARDS, ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME, the best way to ventilate him is to apply the prone method. The normal ventilation is given in supine position, the position in which patient lies on his back, but in some worse or life threatening conditions the position of the patient is changed from spine to stomach so he can breathe in better way.
- Also Read: Home Care of Ventilator Patients
When to Use Prone Method
Prone method in ventilation is used when:
- Patient is severely ill
- It is the life and death situation for the patient
- It is difficult for the patient to breath on his own or on other ventilation methods
- Patient suffers from severe ARDS or other respiratory syndrome
- There is need to improve the oxygenation in the blood of the patient
- The sp02 level decreases below 94
Benefits of Prone Method For Ventilator Patient
Why prone position is preferred when all ventilator positions accommodate the patient well? The simple answer to this question is that it is very easy to attain the desirable and proper amounts of oxygen in this position. Additionally, there are some other benefits of prone position like:
- In this very position, the air in respiratory system flows very easily and in a better way.
- This position improves the air flow and reduces any imbalances.
- The functionality of lungs also improves in this position which helps the patient to breathe easily.
- This position places the lungs in its natural posture so it helps in reducing the chances of lung failure.
- The blood flow in this position becomes even which also helps the body and respiratory tract to function properly.
How to Perform Proning in Ventilated Patients
It’s important to properly position the patient while shifting his position especially when patient is intubated. The proning technique requires to put patient over his stomach while using some pillows under his head, chest and shins. The position of patient is shifted from stomach to side after regular intervals to avoid any inconvenience. Patient if in active state can also change his position from supine to proning without any aide but following some precautionary measures:
- Avoid proning right after having meals
- Shift to proning for the time period easily tolerable
- Adjust proning time as per comfort level of the patient
- Regularly track any injury or soreness while patient is in proning position
- Adjust pillows to alter pressure or bring comfort
Duration of Prone Position For Ventilated Patients
There is no specific duration to this treatment. It totally depends on the condition of the patient. Some patients can be held in this position for six to eight hours during 24 hours and others may need 17 to 20 hours per day as a prolonged session, divided in further 4 small sessions. The decision of frequency and time duration of the proning is totally dependent on the condition or comfort level of the patient.
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