During rounds, the physician alerts the team that proning is being considered for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The nurse understands that proning is:

Question

a. an optional treatment if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is less 100.
b. less of a risk for skin breakdown because the patient is face down.
c. possible with minimal help from co-workers.
d. used to provide continuous lateral rotational turning.

Answer 1

A
Proning is considered if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is low. The patient is not responding to treatment, and all options should be considered. The patient remains at risk for skin breakdown due to immobility; during proning, the risk is in the dependent areas such as the face. Proning is a labor-intensive procedure, and the nurse needs help from team members to ensure a safe turn, including protecting the airway. Continuous lateral rotation is a therapy done in the supine position with a specialized bed.