Module 1: Positioning the Patient

🎯 Module Objectives 

1. Describe various surgical positions and explain which positions are used for different surgical procedures.  
2. Describe safety considerations in various surgical positions.  
3. Explain the physiological impact of various surgical positions.  
4. Select different positioning devices to promote patient safety and comfort, and to reduce any physiological impacts of various surgical positions.  

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📖 Required Readings 

Alexander’s Care of the patient in surgery  

Chapter 6, pp. 142-174  

ORNAC standards   

Surgical Positioning 3.8 P. 3-43 to 3-50  

Other readings 

Spruce, L., Van Wicklin, S.A. (2014). Back to basics: Positioning the patient. AORN Journal. 100:3, 298-305. 

AORN Videos 

Cine Med Video: Cine Med Video #1998: Safe Patient Handling and Movement (2019)   

Cine Med Video #1992: Positioning the Patient: Safe Practices (2018)  

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Introduction 

This module covers various surgical positions and the physiological impact they have on the patient. It also covers different positioning devices and considerations for special populations to promote patient safety and comfort.