A nurse is caring for a patient who has pneumonia. To facilitate respiration and lung drainage this ...

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When prone, the patient is in the face-down position. This facilitates respiration and drainage of oral secretions. Place a pillow under the head for comfort and relief from pressure. The Sims' position is used to place the patient in a semiprone position on the right or left side with the opposite arm, thigh, and knee flexed and resting on the bed. In the lateral position, the patient is placed in a side-lying position, supported on the right or left side. This position can compromise chest expansion. In the supine position the patient rests on the back. The risk for aspiration is greater with this position; thus avoid the supine position when the patient is confused, agitated, experiencing a decreased level of consciousness, or at risk for aspiration.