Fowler's position, Semi-fowler's, High-fowler's, Low-fowler's position

Fowler’s position was invented by George Ryerson Fowler. It is called a standard patient position in which a patient normally sit. This position is adapted by the patients for oral and nasal gastric feeding. This position is also adapted by the patients who feel difficulty in breathing, and in order to do X-ray of patient lying on bed having difficulty in breathing. This position is also used for the purpose of general grooming and is beneficial for patients had abdominoplasty. In this position, the bed from the head side is lifted upward.

The body of the patient become inclined at an angle of 90 to 15 degrees. The legs of the patient may bend at knees or lie straight on bed. This position is preferred in a condition named respiratory distress syndrome. In this syndrome, this position allow the patient to breathe properly and this position also facilitates oxygenation. For bed ridden patients, this position is perfect for the purpose of eating, talking and easy swallowing of food according to the law of gravity. There are many positions related to fowler’s position i.e. semi fowler position, low fowler position and high fowler position depending upon the condition of patient.

Semi-fowler's position

           
In semi fowler position, the patient is at inclined position at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. The patient is at supine position. This position is indicated in patients with cardiac problems, respiratory problems and neurological issues. The patients having nasogastric tube should lie in semi fowler position so that the tube remains at its position. During shoulder, nasal, cranial, abdominal and breast reconstitution surgery this position is preferred. There is a benefit of semi fowler position that the patient feel less nausea as compare to the supine position which makes it perfect position in chemotherapy.

High-fowler's position

               
In high fowler position, the patient sits in a position with an angle of 90 degrees. The upper body is in vertical position and the lower body i.e. legs is in straight horizontal position. This position is considered perfect and easiest for the purpose of defecation. The other actions like eating, swallowing and taking an x-ray also become easy in this position. The process of digestion and respiration in old age patients become easy with this position. The main drawback of this position is that, the pressure increases on the sacral and gluteal region which may cause pressure sores.

Low-fowler's position

             
The low fowler’s position is considered the best position regarding the rest of patient’s body. In low fowler position, the upper body of patient is inclined at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees with respect to the lower body. In low fowler position, the breathing process becomes easy in patient with breathing problems. The patient feels relaxed in this position with little or no pressure on the gluteal area and the spinal area. This type of fowler’s position do not have any draw back like the high fowler position and semi fowler position.