Gravity Assisted Positioning

Created by: Fredcatley
Created on: 01-01-21 16:32

Define Gravity Assisted Positioning (GAP)

Technique in which pt is positioned to use gravity to facilitate drainage of secretions from the lungs into the trachea >allows secretions to be coughed up

1 of 7

Discuss the precautions of GAP

-Headache
-Breathlessness
-Chest drains, lines
-After meals
-Risk of aspiration

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Discuss contraindications of GAP

-Cerebral oedema
-HTN
-Surgical Emphysema
-Trauma/burns or recent surgery to head/neck
-Recent pneumonectomy surgery or surgery to aorta/oesphagus
-Distended abdomen
-Symptomatic hiatus hernia
-Bronchopleural fistula
-Undrained pneumothorax
-Pulmonary oe

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Describe how you would drain the upper lobes of the lungs?

Get the pt in upright sitting

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Describe how you would drain the middle lobes of the lungs?

Get the pt in side lying with head on 35 cm down tilt

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Describe how you would drain the lower lobes of the lungs?

Get the pt in side lying with head on 46 cm down tilt

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Explain why positions may need modification (Modified GAP)

-Contraindications to head tip
-Pt comfort
-Pt acceptance
-No. of positions used per Rx
-Time requirements

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Discuss the precautions of GAP

Back

-Headache
-Breathlessness
-Chest drains, lines
-After meals
-Risk of aspiration

Card 3

Front

Discuss contraindications of GAP

Back

Card 4

Front

Describe how you would drain the upper lobes of the lungs?

Back

Card 5

Front

Describe how you would drain the middle lobes of the lungs?

Back

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Gravity Assisted Positioning