Question

A 52 year-old post-operative patient's chest radiograph demonstrates infiltrates in the posterior basal segments of the lower lobes. Which of the following is the appropriate postural drainage position?

1) Head down, patient supine with a pillow under knees
2) Patient prone with a pillow under head, bed flat
3) Patient supine with a pillow under knees, bed flat
4) Head down, patient prone with a pillow under hips

Answer 1

The correct postural drainage position for a patient with infiltrates in the posterior basal segments of the lower lobes is head down, patient prone with a pillow under hips, aiding in the drainage of secretions. Option 4) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assist a 52 year-old post-operative patient whose chest radiograph demonstrates infiltrates in the posterior basal segments of the lower lobes, the appropriate postural drainage position is: Head down, patient prone with a pillow under hips. This position facilitates drainage from the posterior basal segments by using gravity to help move secretions toward the larger airways where they can be more easily cleared.

Postural drainage is a component of chest physiotherapy used to treat respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, which involves the accumulation of fluid and infection-related debris within the lung parenchyma. The clinical focus could involve antibiotics and supportive care measures, including postural drainage, to support the patient's breathing and clearance of lung infiltrates.