Question

The nurse is caring for a client who has just been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of a hemorrhagic stroke. The nurse should place the client in which position?

1.Prone
2.Supine
3.Semi Fowler's with the hip and the neck flexed
4.Head of the bed elevated 30 degrees with the head in midline position

Answer 1

A client with a hemorrhagic stroke should be positioned with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees and the head in a midline position to reduce intracranial pressure and aid in venous drainage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse caring for a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of a hemorrhagic stroke should place the client with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees with the head in midline position. This position helps to reduce intracranial pressure and facilitates venous drainage from the brain, potentially reducing further damage.

It is important to maintain the head in a neutral position to avoid obstructing venous return and to prevent increasing intracranial pressure. In contrast, lying supine or in a prone position could increase intracranial pressure and is not recommended. Positions such as the Semi Fowler's with hip and neck flexed could also increase intracranial pressure and should not be used unless specifically indicated for a particular clinical reason. Therefore, the correct position is option 4: Head of the bed elevated 30 degrees with the head in midline position.