Module 3: 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 

ORNAC standards 2021
Surgical Positioning 3.8 P. 3-43 to 3-50 

ORNAC standards 2023
3.6 -3.7 (3-26)

AORN Periop 101 video
Cine Med Video: Cine Med Video #1998: Safe Patient Handling and Movement (2019)  
Cine Med Video #1992: Positioning the Patient: Safe Practices (2018) 

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

Alexander’s care of the patient in surgery
16th Ed. Ch 6 p. 142-175
17th Ed. Ch 6 p.139-173

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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.