Clinical efficacy of the folding lateral position fixation frame with adjustable angles in the postural nursing of critically ill patients / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of the folding lateral position fixation frame with adjustable angles.Methods:A total of 60 patients from the Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between January and June in 2019 with consciousness disorder or sedation and no ability to change postures on their own were selected and randomized into treatment group ( n=30) and control group ( n=30). Patients in the treatment group were backed by the fixation fame in lateral position of 80 degrees, while those in the control group were backed by sponge triangle pillow in lateral position of 80 degrees. After 2 hours, the angles of the mattress surface and the body of patients in two groups were measured with a SanNiang digital angle ruler. The efficacy rates of maintaining lateral positions of patients in both groups were calculated. The occurrence rates of skin ulcers in both groups were observed as well. Results:The efficacy rate of maintaining a lateral position was 93.3% (28/30) in the treatment group and 33.3% (10/30) in the control group. The differences between two groups were statistically significant ( χ2 value was 23.25, P=0.000). No skin ulcers were observed in patients in the two groups. Conclusion:The folding lateral position fixation frame with adjustable angles helps to maintain the lateral position efficiently, which can smooth sputum drainage, reduce the imbalance between ventilation and blood flow, increase oxygenation and prevent pulmonary infection. Compared with sponge triangle pillow, the frame can bear more weights, which is suitable for patients with varying weights. Beside, the frame is small in size and foldable, which is convenient for storing and sterilizing. It is highly cost effective and can meet different clinical needs.