The PT is positioning a patient for postural drainage. To BEST drain the posterior segment of both lower lobes, which position is used?

The PT is positioning a patient for postural drainage. To BEST drain the posterior segment of both lower lobes, which position is used?

• A. Prone, head down at 45 degree angle
• B. Supine, flat surface
• C. Side lying, head elevated 30 degree angle
• D. Sitting, leaning forward

Answer: (A)

Gravity-directed drainage is about making the target lung segment the most dependent so secretions flow toward the central airways. The posterior portions of the lower lobes lie on the back, so placing the patient prone with the head lowered about 45 degrees positions those posterior basilar segments to be dependent. This orientation uses gravity to move secretions from the posterior lower lobes toward the central airways where they can be cleared more easily. Other positions would direct gravity away from these posterior areas or toward different segments, making them less effective for draining the posterior lower lobes. (Safety considerations apply for head-down positions in patients with certain conditions.)

Gravity-directed drainage is about making the target lung segment the most dependent so secretions flow toward the central airways. The posterior portions of the lower lobes lie on the back, so placing the patient prone with the head lowered about 45 degrees positions those posterior basilar segments to be dependent. This orientation uses gravity to move secretions from the posterior lower lobes toward the central airways where they can be cleared more easily. Other positions would direct gravity away from these posterior areas or toward different segments, making them less effective for draining the posterior lower lobes. (Safety considerations apply for head-down positions in patients with certain conditions.)