#521: Prone Positioning Basics: Preventing Complications in ARDS Patients

Prone positioning can be so intimidating when you're a nursing student or a brand-new ICU nurse. In this episode, I'm covering the basics and potential complications of prone positioning so you actually understand why we do it, rather than just feeling like you’re trying to keep up.

Imagine walking into your patient's room and finding them lying on their stomach instead of their back. They are intubated and sedated, with cushions tucked around their face, chest, and hips, and the monitor leads are sitting on their back. It’s startling if you've never seen it! But it’s also one of the most effective nursing interventions we have for critical care patients fighting ARDS or severe respiratory distress (I saw this a ton with COVID-19 patients, too).

Hit play to review what you actually need to know about prone positioning for your nursing school exams, clinicals, and NCLEX, including:

What is prone positioning? The "why" behind the pathophysiology and indications of prone positioning

Awake Prone Positioning (APP)

Two ways to prone a ventilated patient (Roto-Prone beds vs. the manual "burrito method")

High-risk nursing complications to watch for

Preventing unplanned extubation: Safety checks used to protect the airway during a turn

Protecting skin integrity: Crucial nursing interventions for pressure injury prevention

How to approach urgent situations with limited access, including emergency response steps and CPR in the prone position

Why you should take advantage of hands-on training whenever it's offered

Current evidence-based practice guidelines you'll see in the ICU