Principles of postural drainage

Different diseases require different surgical methods. Adequate preparation must be made before surgery. The patient must adjust his or her mentality and fully trust the doctor. Only in this way can the operation go more smoothly. Postural drainage surgery is relatively common. It is a form of surgery that aims to discharge secretions from the lungs and bronchi out of the body. The principle of postural drainage is that the lesion site should be in a high position for surgery.

Postural drainage methods and precautions:

1. Definition:

A method of placing the patient in a special position and using gravity to force secretions in the lungs and bronchi to flow into the large bronchi and out of the body.

2. Methods:

① Determine the drainage position:

The principle of selecting body position is that the lesion is located at a high position and the drainage bronchus opens downward, making it easier for secretions to drain along the body position and be coughed out. Different body positions are suitable for drainage of secretions from different parts of the body. For example, the high semi-sitting position can promote the drainage of secretions from the upper lobe of the lung; changing from one side-lying position to supine position and then to the other side-lying position is beneficial to the drainage of the middle lobe of the lung; the head-down-feet-high position is beneficial to the drainage of the lower lobe of the lung.

②Drainage time:

Drainage is usually performed before meals, for 15 to 30 minutes each time, 2 to 4 times a day, depending on the specific condition.

③If there are more than two inflammatory sites, generally start from the site with more sputum, and then proceed to the other site.

④ In order to enhance the drainage effect, ultrasonic nebulization inhalation was performed before drainage, and percussion was performed during drainage. The patient was advised to try his best to cough up phlegm.

3. Notes:

It is contraindicated for patients with cardiovascular disease, the extremely weak, the elderly and frail, and postoperative patients.

Inspection process operation methods and steps

(1) Postural drainage is performed using different postures depending on the location of the lesion. If the lesion is in the lower lobe, lingular lobe, or middle lobe, lie on the patient's side with the head low and feet high, slightly toward the healthy side. If the lesion is in the upper lobe, sit or take other appropriate positions to facilitate drainage.

(2) During drainage, the patient is asked to take deep breaths intermittently and then cough forcefully. The nursing staff can use their hands (with the palms bent and concave) to gently pat the patient's chest or back, starting from the lower back upwards, until all the sputum is discharged. Alternatively, a mechanical vibrator can be used to loosen the accumulated secretions and move them to make them easier to cough out or drain. 3-4 times a day, 15-30 minutes each time