Question

How should a patient be positioned on the right side with a pillow under the costal margin, and what medical conditions or procedures might necessitate this position?

Answer 1

A patient should be positioned on the right side with a pillow under the costal margin in the right lateral decubitus position for specific medical conditions or procedures like obtaining a chest X-ray or performing a paracentesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient should be positioned on the right side with a pillow under the costal margin to assist with specific medical conditions or procedures. This position is called the right lateral decubitus position. It is commonly used in situations like:

1. Obtaining a chest X-ray to evaluate lung conditions like pneumonia or pleural effusion. The right side positioning helps to separate the heart and lung on the X-ray image, providing a better view of the lung.
2. Performing a paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdominal cavity in conditions like ascites. The right lateral decubitus position allows the fluid to accumulate on the left side, making it easier to access and drain.