Patient Positioning Cheat Sheet & Complete Guide

Positioning keeps the airway open, circulation moving, and skin intact, and it gives surgeons and examiners the access they need while protecting the patient's dignity. This guide covers the common bed and surgical positions (Fowler's, dorsal recumbent, supine, prone, lateral, lithotomy, Sims', Trendelenburg, and others), how to set each one up, and what to watch for.

What is Patient Positioning?

Patient positioning means maintaining neutral body alignment, preventing hyperextension and extreme lateral rotation, to avoid the complications of immobility and injury. It is a registered nurse responsibility. Done right it supports airway management and ventilation, keeps the body aligned, exposes the surgical or treatment site, and limits unnecessary exposure.

Goals of Patient Positioning

• Comfort and safety. Support the airway and circulation throughout the procedure. Impaired venous return and ventilation-perfusion mismatch are common complications. Good positioning prevents nerve damage and unnecessary extension or rotation.
• Dignity and privacy. Minimize exposure of a patient who already feels vulnerable perioperatively.
• Visibility and access. Ease surgical access and anesthetic administration.

Guidelines for Patient Positioning

Poor technique injures the patient and the nurse. Hold to these principles:

• Explain the procedure. Tell the patient why the position is changing and how. Rapport makes them more likely to hold the new position.
• Have the patient assist. Determine whether they can help fully or partially. It saves the nurse's back and builds the patient's independence.
• Get adequate help. Positioning is often not a one-person task. Ask other caregivers.
• Use mechanical aids. Bed boards, slide boards, pillows, patient lifts, and slings ease position changes.
• Raise the bed. Bring the patient's weight to the nurse's center of gravity.
• Reposition often. Any position, correct or not, harms the patient if held too long. Reposition every 2 hours to prevent pressure ulcers and skin breakdown.
• Avoid friction and shear. Lift rather than slide; dragging abrades the skin.
• Use proper body mechanics. Stand close to the patient, keep back, neck, and pelvis aligned, flex the knees, keep the feet wide, use arms and legs not the back, and tighten abdominal and gluteal muscles before the move. The person with the heaviest load coordinates the team and calls the count to 3.

Common Patient Positions

Supine or Dorsal Recumbent Position

The patient lies flat on the back with head and shoulders slightly elevated on a pillow unless contraindicated (spinal anesthesia, spinal surgery).

• Variation. Legs extended or slightly bent, arms up or down. Comfortable for general recovery after surgery.
• Most common position. Used for general examination and physical assessment.
• Watch for skin breakdown. Risk of pressure ulcers and nerve damage; assess skin and pad bony prominences.
• Support. Small pillows under the head to lumbar curvature. Protect heels with a pillow or ankle roll. Use a padded footboard to prevent prolonged plantar flexion and stretch injury of the feet.
• In surgery. Used for procedures on the anterior body (abdominal, cardiac, thoracic). Stabilize the head with a small pillow or donut, since extreme head rotation can occlude the vertebral artery.

Fowler's Position

Semi-sitting, head of bed elevated 45 to 60 degrees. Variations: low Fowler's (15 to 30 degrees), semi-Fowler's (30 to 45 degrees), and high Fowler's (nearly vertical).

• Promotes lung expansion. Gravity pulls the diaphragm down, opening up the chest and lungs. Good for difficulty breathing.
• Useful for NGT. Often optimal for patients with cardiac, respiratory, or neurological problems and for those with a nasogastric tube.
• Prepares for walking. Used before dangling or ambulating. Watch for dizziness or faintness on position change.
• Neck alignment. An oversized pillow behind the head promotes neck flexion contractures. Have the patient rest without pillows a few hours a day to extend the neck fully.
• In surgery. Used for neurosurgery and shoulder procedures.
• Use a footboard. Keeps the feet aligned and prevents foot drop.
• Etymology. Named for George Ryerson Fowler, who used it to reduce mortality from peritonitis.

Orthopneic or Tripod Position

The patient sits up or sits at the side of the bed leaning on an overbed table padded with pillows.

• Maximum lung expansion. Allows the fullest chest expansion for patients short of breath.
• Helps exhalation. Pressing the lower chest against the table edge helps patients who struggle to exhale.

Prone Position

The patient lies on the abdomen, head turned to one side, hips not flexed.

• Hip and knee extension. The only bed position that allows full extension of the hip and knee joints, preventing flexion contractures.
• Contraindicated in spine problems. Gravity on the trunk produces marked lordosis, so use only when the back is correctly aligned.
• Drainage of secretions. Promotes drainage from the mouth; useful for unconscious patients or those recovering from mouth or throat surgery.
• Support. Pillow under the head, small pillow or towel roll under the abdomen.
• In surgery. Common for neurosurgery and most neck and spine surgeries.

Lateral Position

Side-lying, top leg in front of the bottom leg with hip and knee flexed. Flexing the top hip and knee and bringing that leg forward widens the base of support and adds stability, reduces lordosis, and promotes good back alignment.

• Relieves sacral and heel pressure. Useful for patients confined to bed in supine or Fowler's.
• Weight distribution. Most body weight falls on the lateral lower scapula, the lateral ilium, and the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Support pillows needed to position the patient correctly and comfortably.

Sims' Position

Semi-prone, halfway between lateral and prone. The lower arm goes behind the patient; the upper arm is flexed at shoulder and elbow. The upper leg is more acutely flexed at hip and knee than the lower.

• Prevents aspiration. Facilitates mouth drainage; used for unconscious patients.
• Reduces lower body pressure. Used for paralyzed patients to offload the sacrum and greater trochanter.
• Perineal access. Used for enemas and for perineal examinations or treatments.
• Comfort in pregnancy. Pregnant patients may find it comfortable for sleeping.
• Support. Pillow under the head, one under the upper arm to prevent internal rotation, and one between the legs.

Lithotomy Position

On the back with hips and knees flexed and thighs apart. Common for vaginal examinations and childbirth. Check your facility's guidelines; modifications based on how high the lower body is raised typically run:

• Low lithotomy: thigh-to-bed angle 40 to 60 degrees, lower legs parallel with the O.R. bed.
• Standard lithotomy: thigh-to-bed angle 80 to 100 degrees, lower legs parallel with the O.R. bed.
• Hemilithotomy: non-operative leg in standard lithotomy; operative leg may be placed in traction.
• High lithotomy: thigh-to-bed angle 110 to 120 degrees, lower legs flexed.
• Exaggerated lithotomy: thigh-to-bed angle 130 to 150 degrees, lower legs almost vertical.

Trendelenburg's Position

Head of bed lowered, foot of bed raised, arms tucked at the sides.

• Promotes venous return. Helps hypotensive patients.
• Postural drainage. Drains the basal lung lobes. Watch for dyspnea; some patients tolerate only a moderate tilt or a shorter time. Adjust as tolerated.

Reverse Trendelenburg's Position

Head of bed elevated, foot of bed down, the opposite of Trendelenburg.

• GI problems. Minimizes esophageal reflux.
• Avoid rapid change. Patients with decreased cardiac output may not tolerate fast movement from supine to erect. Watch for hypotension and change position gradually.
• Prevents reflux. Promotes stomach emptying for patients with hiatal hernia.

Knee-Chest Position

Lateral or prone. In lateral knee-chest the patient lies on the side with torso diagonal across the table and hips and knees flexed. In prone knee-chest the patient kneels and lowers the shoulders to the table so chest and face rest on it.

• Sigmoidoscopy. Usual position for sigmoidoscopy without anesthesia.
• Gynecologic and rectal exams. Standard for these.
• Dignity. The prone version can embarrass patients.

Jackknife Position

Also called Kraske. The abdomen lies flat and the bed is scissored so the hip lifts and the legs and head drop low.

• In surgery. Used for anus, rectum, coccyx, certain back surgeries, and adrenal surgery.
• Team effort. At least four people are needed to transfer and position the patient.
• Cardiovascular effects. Abdominal compression of the inferior vena cava decreases venous return and raises DVT risk.
• Support. Many pillows support the body and reduce pressure on pelvis, back, and abdomen. The position loads the knees, so add extra knee padding.

Kidney Position

A modified lateral position. The abdomen sits over a lift that bends the body; the patient turns onto the contralateral side with the back at the table edge, and the contralateral kidney lies over the table break or kidney elevator. The uppermost arm rests in a gutter at no more than 90 degrees abduction or flexion.

• Access. Allows access and visualization of the retroperitoneal area. Place a kidney rest or small pillow under the lift.
• Fall risk. The patient can fall off the table until the position is secured.
• Support. Pad the contralateral arm under the body, flex the contralateral knee, keep the uppermost leg straight for stability, place a large soft pillow between the legs, and secure with a kidney strap and tape over the hip.

Support Devices for Patient Positioning

• Bed boards. Plywood under the full mattress surface; increase back support and alignment.
• Foot boots. Rigid plastic or heavy foam shoes that hold the foot flexed at the proper angle. Remove 2 to 3 times a day to check skin integrity and joint mobility.
• Hand rolls. Keep the fingers slightly flexed and functional and the thumb slightly adducted in opposition.
• Hand-wrist splints. Molded individually to hold the thumb in slight adduction and the wrist in slight dorsiflexion.
• Pillows. Support, elevate, and splint incision areas; reduce postoperative pain with activity, coughing, or deep breathing. Size them to the body part.
• Sandbags. Shape and contour the body, immobilize extremities, and maintain alignment.
• Side rails. Bars along the bed for safety and mobility; help the patient roll or sit up. Check agency policy, which varies by state.
• Trochanter rolls. Prevent external rotation of the legs in supine. Fold a cotton bath blanket or sheet lengthwise to a width from the greater trochanter of the femur to the lowest border of the popliteal space.
• Wedge pillows. Triangular heavy-foam pillows that hold the legs in abduction after total hip replacement.

Documenting Patient Positioning

• Date and time of the procedure.
• Explanation given to the patient.
• Position used, with rationale.
• Teaching provided.
• Patient's response.

Cheat Sheet for Patient Positions

Condition/ Procedure	Patient Position	Rationale & Additional Info
Bronchoscopy	After: Semi-Fowler’s	To reduce aspiration risk from difficulty of swallowing
Cerebral angiography	During: Flat on bed with arms at sides; kept still. After: Extremity in which contrast was injected is kept straight for 6 to 8 hours. Flat, if femoral artery was used.	Apply firm pressure on site for 15 minutes after the procedure.
Myelogram (air contrast)	Pre-op : surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post-op : Head of bed (HOB) is lower than trunk.	To disperse dye.
Myelogram (oil-based dye)	Pre-op : surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post-op : Flat on bed for 6 to 8 hours	To disperse dye.To prevent CSF leakage.
Myelogram (water-based dye)	Pre-op : surgical table will be moved to various positions during test. Post-op : HOB elevated for 8 hours.	To prevent dye from irritating the meninges .
Liver biopsy	During: Supine with RIGHT side of upper abdomen exposed; RIGHT arm raised and extended behind and and overhead and shoulder. After: RIGHT side-lying with pillow under puncture site.	To expose the area. To apply pressure and minimize bleeding .
Lung biopsy	Flat supine with arms raised above head and hands health together; head and arms on pillow.	To expose and provide easy access to the area.
Renal biopsy	PRONE with pillow under the abdomen and shoulders.	To expose the area.
Arteriovenous fistula	Post-op : Elevate extremity	Don’t sleep on affected side; encourage exercise by squeezing a rubber ball. Don’t use AV arm for BP reading and venipuncture.
Peritoneal Dialysis	When outflow is inadequate : turn patient from side to side.	Turning facilitates drainage; check for kinks in the tubing. Possible to have abdominal cramps and blood -tinged outflow if catheter was placed in the last 1-2 weeks. Cloudy outflow is never normal.
Meniere’s Disease	Change position slowly; bedrest during acute phase	Provide protection when ambulating
Autografting	Immobilize site for 3 to 7 days.	To promote healing and maximal adhesion.
Internal radiation, during treatment	Strict bedrest while implant is in place	To prevent dislodgement of the implant device. Provide own urinal or bedpan to patient.
Heart failure with pulmonary edema	Sitting up, with legs dangling	To decrease venous return and reduce congestion ; promotes ventilation and relieves dyspnea .
Myocardial infarction	Semi-Fowler’s	To help lessen chest pain and promote respiration .
Pericarditis	High-Fowlers, upright leaning forward.	To help lessen pain .
Peripheral artery disease	Depending on desired outcome. Slight elevation of legs but not above the heart or slightly dependent. Dangle legs on side of the bed.	To slow or increase arterial return
Shock	Flat on bed.	To improve or increase circulation. Trendelenburg is no longer a recommended position.
Sickle Cell Anemia	HOB elevated 30 degrees, avoid knee gatch and putting strain on painful joints	To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing .
Varicose veins, leg ulcers, and venous insufficiency	Elevate extremities above heart level.	To prevent pooling of blood in the legs and facilitate venous return; avoid prolonged standing.
Deep vein thrombosis	Bed rest with affected limb elevated. After 24 hours after heparin therapy, patient can ambulate if pain level permits.	To promote circulation.
Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF)	HOB elevated 30-45 degrees.	To prevent reflux.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (for Hydrocephalus treatment)	After shunt placement: Place on non-operative side in flat position. HOB raised 15-30 degrees if ICP is increased. Do not hold infant with head elevated.	Avoid rapid fluid drainage.
Hyphema Blood in anterior chamber of eye	HOB elevated 30-45 degrees, with night shield.	To allow the hyphema to settle out inferiorly and avoid obstruction of vision and to facilitate resolution
Abdominal aneurysm	Post-op : HOB no more than 45 degrees	To avoid flexion of the graft.
Dehiscence	Place in low-Fowler’s position then raise knees or instruct knees and support them with a pillow.	To decrease tension on the abdomen.
Dumping Syndrome, prevention of	Take meals in reclining position, lie down for 20-30 minutes after.	To delay gastric emptying time. Restrict fluids during meals, low carb, low fiber diet in small frequent meals.
Evisceration	Place in low-Fowler’s position.	Instruct not to cough ; place on NPO; keep intestines moist and covered with sterile saline until patient can be wheeled to OR.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)	Reverse Trendelenburg, slanted bed with head higher. Pediatric: prone with HOB elevated.	To promote gastric emptying and reduce reflux.
Hiatal hernia	Upright position after meals.	To prevent gastric content reflux.
Pyloric stenosis	RIGHT side-lying position after meals.	To facilitate entry of stomach contents into the intestines.
Extremity burns	Elevate extremity.	To reduce dependent edema and pressure.
Facial burns or trauma	Head elevated	To reduce edema
Autonomic dysreflexia	Initially place in sitting position or high Fowler’s position with legs dangling.	To reduce blood pressures below dangerous levels and provide partial symptom relief.
Cerebral aneurysm	HOB elevated 30-45 degrees; bed rest	To prevent pressure on aneurysm site
Heat stroke	Supine, flat with legs elevated.	To promote venous return and maintain blood flow to the head.
Hemorrhagic stroke	HOB elevated 30 degrees.	To reduce ICP and encourage blood drainage.Avoid hip and neck flexion which inhibits drainage.
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)	Elevate HOB 30-45 degrees, maintain head midline and in neutral position.	To promote venous drainage. Avoid flexion of the neck, head rotation, hip flexion, coughing, sneezing and bending forward.
Ischemic stroke	HOB flat in midline, neutral position.	To facilitate venous drainage and encourage arterial blood flow. Avoid hip and neck flexion which inhibits drainage
Seizure	Side-lying or recovery position.	To drain secretions and prevent aspiration .
Spinal cord injury	Immobilize on spinal backboard, head in neutral position and immobilized with a firm, padded cervical collar. Must be log rolled without allowing any twisting or bending movements	To prevent any movement and further injury.
Head injury	Elevate HOB 30 degrees, head should be kept in neutral position.	To decrease intracranial pressure (ICP).Keep head from flexing or rotating. Avoid frequent suctioning .
Buck’s Traction	Elevate FOB for counter-traction; use trapeze for moving ; place pillow beneath lower legs.	Ask patient to dorsiflex foot of the affected leg to assess function of peroneal nerve, weakness may indicate pressure on the nerve .
Casted arm	Elevate at or above level of heart	To minimize swelling
Delayed prosthesis fitting	Elevate foot of bed to elevate residual limb.	To hasten venous return and prevent edema.
Hip fracture	Affected extremity needs to be abducted.	Use splints, wedge pillow, or pillows between legs. Avoid stooping, flexion position during sex, and overexertion during walking or exercise.
Hip replacement	On unaffected side: maintain abduction when in supine position with pillow between legs. HOB raised to 30-45 degrees.	Avoid extreme internal or external rotation .
Immediate prosthesis fitting	Elevate residual limb for 24 hours.	Rigid cast acts to control swelling.
Osteomyelitis	Support affected extremity with pillows or splints	To maintain proper body alignment; avoid strenuous exercises.
Total hip replacement	Help to sitting position; place chair at 90 degrees angle to bed; stand on affected side; pivot patient to unaffected side.	To prevent dizziness and orthostatic hypotension .
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)	High Fowler’s	To promote oxygenation via maximum chest expansion.
Air embolism from dislodged central venous line	Turn to LEFT side or place in Trendelenburg.	Patient should be immediately repositioned with the right atrium above the gas entry site so that trapped air will not move into the pulmonary circulation.
Asthma	High Fowler’s Tripod position: sitting position while leaning forward with hands on knees.	To promote oxygenation via maximum chest expansion.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)	High Fowler’s Orthopneic position	To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing .
Emphysema	High Fowler’s Orthopneic position	To promote maximum lung expansion
Pleural Effusion	High Fowler’s	To provide maximal
Pneumonia	High Fowler’s Lay on affected side Lay with affected lung up	To maximize breathing mechanisms. To splint and reduce pain. To reduce congestion .
Pneumothorax	High Fowler’s	To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing .
Pulmonary edema	High Fowler’s, legs dependent position	To decrease edema and congestion
Pulmonary embolism	High Fowler’s Turn patient to LEFT side and lower HOB	To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing .
Flail chest	High Fowler’s	To provide maximal comfort and maximize breathing mechanisms.
Rib fracture	High Fowler’s	To promote maximum lung expansion and assist in breathing .
Contraction stress test (CST)	Placed in semi-Fowler’s or side-lying position	Monitor for post-test labor onset.
Cord prolapse	Shrimp or fetal position; modified Sims’ or Trendelenburg.	To prevent pressure on the cord. If cord prolapses, cover with sterile saline gauze to prevent drying.
Fetal distress	Turn mother to her LEFT side.	To reduce compression of the vena cava and aorta .
Late decelerations (placental insufficiency)	Turn mother to her LEFT side.	To allow more blood flow to the placenta .
Placenta previa	Sitting position.	To minimize bleeding .
Variable decelerations (cord compression)	Place mother in Trendelenburg position.	To remove pressure off the presenting part of the cord and prevent gravity from pulling the fetus out of the body.
Spina Bifida	Prone (on abdomen).	To prevent sac rupture.
Cleft lip (congenital)	Position on back or in infant seat. Hold in upright position while feeding .	To prevent trauma to suture line.
Prolapsed umbilical cord	During labor : Knee-chest position or Trendelenburg.	Relieves pressure or gravity from pulling the cord. Hand in vagina to hold presenting part of fetus off cord.
Cardiac catheterization (post)	HOB elevated no more than 30 degrees or flat as prescribed.May turn to either side	Affected extremity should be kept straight.
Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI)	Tape catheter to thigh; no other positioning restrictions	Prevents the catheter from being dislodged.
Ear drops	Position affected ear uppermost then lie on unaffected ear for absorption.	Pull outer ear upward and back for adults; upward and down for children.
Ear irrigation	During procedure: Tilt head towards affected ear . After procedure: Lie on affected side for drainage.	Better visualization and drainage of the medium to the ear canal via gravity.
Eye drops	Tilt head back and look up, pull lid down.	Drop to center of the lower conjunctival sac; blink between drops; press inner canthus near nose bridge for 1-2 min to prevent systemic absorption.
Lumbar puncture	During: Shrimp or fetal position (side-lying with back bowed, knees drawn up to abdomen, neck flexed to rest chin on chest). After: Flat on bed for 4-12 hours.	To maximize spine flexion . To prevent spinal headache and CSF leakage.
Nasogastric tube insertion	High Fowler’s with head tilted forward	Closes the trachea and opens the esophagus ; prevents aspiration .
Nasogastric tube irrigation and tube feedings	HOB elevated 30 to 45 degrees; keep elevated for 1 hour after an intermittent feeding . With decreased LOC: RIGHT side-lying with HOB elevated. With tracheostomy : Maintain in semi-Fowler’s position	To prevent aspiration .Promotes emptying of the stomach and prevents aspiration . To prevent aspiration .
Paracentesis	During: Semi-Fowler’s in bed or sitting upright on side of bed with chair; support the feet. Post: Assist into any comfortable position	Empty the bladder before procedure; report elevated temperature ; assess for hypovolemia .
Postural Drainage	Trendelenburg	Lung area needing drainage should be in uppermost position
Rectal enema administration	Left side-lying (Sims’ position) with right knee flexed.	Allows gravity to work into the direction of the colon by placing the descending colon at its lowest point.
Rectal enemas and irrigation	Left side-lying, Sims’ position	To allow fluid to flow in the natural direction of the colon.
Sengstaken-Blakemore and Minnesota tubes	HOB elevated	To enhance lung expansion and reduce portal blood flow, permitting esophagogastric balloon tamponade.
Thoracentesis	Before: (1) Sitting on edge of bed while leaning on bedside table with feet supported by stool ; or lying in bed on unaffected side with head elevated 45 degrees. (2) Lying in bed on unaffected side with HOB elevated to Fowler’s. After: Assist patient into any comfortable position preferred.	Prevent fluid leakage into the thoracic cavity.
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)	During insertion: Trendelenburg.	To prevent air embolism.
Vascular extremity graft	Bed rest for 24 hours, keep extremity straight and avoid knee or hip flexion	For maximal adhesion.
Perineal procedures	Lithotomy	For better visualization of the area.
Appendectomy	Post-op : Fowler’s position	To relieve abdominal pain and ease breathing .
Cataract surgery	Sleep on unaffected side with a night shield for 1 to 4 weeks. Semi-Fowler’s or Fowler’s on back or on non-operative side.	To prevent edema.
Craniotomy	HOB elevated 30-45% with head in a midline, neutral position. Never put client on operative side, especially if bone was removed.	To facilitate venous drainage.
Hemorrhoidectomy	During : Prone Jackknife position.	Provides better visualization of the area.
Hypophysectomy Surgical removal of the pituitary gland .	HOB elevated.	To prevent increase in ICP.
Infratentorial surgery Incision at back of head, above nape of neck	Flat and lateral on either side; avoid neck flexing.	To facilitate drainage.
Kidney transplant	Post-op : Semi-Fowler’s, turn from back to non-operative side	To promote gas exchange
Laminectomy	Back is kept straight.Patient is logrolled if turned. Sit straight in straight-backed chair when out of bed or when ambulating.
Laryngectomy	HOB elevated 30-45 degrees	To maintain airway and decrease edema.
Mastectomy	Semi-Fowler’s with arm on affected side elevated.	To allow lymph drainage. Turn only on back and on unaffected side.
Mitral valve replacement	Post-op : semi-Fowler’s position.	To assist in breathing .
Myringotomy	Post-op : Position on side of affected ear .	To allow drainage of secretions
Retinal detachment	Bed rest with minimal activity and repositioning. Area of detachment should be in the dependent position.	Helps detached retina fall into place.
Supratentorial surgery Incision front of head below hairline	HOB elevated 30-45 degrees; maintain head/neckline in midline neutral position; avoid extreme hip and neck flexion .	To facilitate drainage.
Thyroidectomy	Post-op : High Fowler’s or semi-Fowler’s. Avoid extension and movement by using sandbags or pillows.	To reduce swelling and edema in the neck area. To decrease tension on the suture line and support the head and neck.
Tonsillectomy	Post-op : prone or side-lying	To facilitate drainage and relieve pressure on the neck.
Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy	Side lying with head tucked and legs pulled up or; Prone with arms folded under chin.	To expose the area. Apply pressure to the area after the procedure to stop the bleeding .
Amputation : above the knee	Elevate for first 24 hours using pillow.Position prone twice daily.	To prevent edema. To provide for hip extension and stretching of flexor muscles; prevent contractures, abduction
Amputation : below the knee	Foot of bed elevated for first 24 hours. Position prone daily.	To prevent edema. To provide for hip extension .