RESUMO
The aim of the present study was to determine the body position that optimizes breathing pattern [tidal volume [TV] and respiratory rate [RR]] in spontaneously breathing, intubated patients with a large abdomen. 20 intubated patients with obesity, ascites and/or abdominal distention, who were on pressure support ventilation mode were studied in the 0 degree, 45 degrees, 90 degrees and the reverse Trendelenburg's [RT] at 45 degrees positions for 10 minutes, each before data collection. The RT at 45 degrees position resulted in a significantly lower RR than at 90 degrees, however no significant difference in TV was demonstrated. The results of this study indicated that the RT at 45 degrees position is the optimal position for weaning patients with a large abdomen from mechanical ventilation. The results also, have implications for the selection of chair and bed positioning during weaning trials