A patient with an active lower gastrointestinal bleed has the following vital signs: temperature 97.0 F, HR 68, RR 20, and BP 82/60 mm Hg. The nurse would place the patient in which position?

Question

1. Prone
2. Supine with the legs bent at the knees
3. Supine with the legs raised
4. Side lying with the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Positioning the patient prone will not enhance venous return or perfusion to vital tissues and organs.
Rationale 2: Positioning the patient supine with the legs bent at the knees will hinder venous blood return and not increase cardiac output.
Rationale 3: The patient's vital signs indicate distress. Placing the patient in a supine position with the legs elevated will promote the venous blood return to the heart. This will help the heart to fill and increase cardiac output and blood pressure.
Rationale 4: Positioning the patient side lying will not enhance venous return or perfusion to vital tissues and organs.