The effects of different positions on physiological measurement and perfusion index in pediatric intubated patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of four different body positions applied to paediatric intubated patients on physiological variables and perfusion index. Method: The sample of this study, which was conducted as a quasi-experimental study in a single group in a paediatric intensive care unit, consisted of 44 intubated and monitored patients. The patients were given supine, right-lateral, left-lateral and Semi Fowler positions at intervals of two hours, and each position’s measurements were evaluated separately. In the analysis of data, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, and post-hoc (Tukey HSD) tests were used. Results: Fifty per cent of the patients were under 1 year old, 56.8% were male, and the mean patient age was 20.61±21.72 months. Peripheral oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure and perfusion index mean values ​​in the supine and Semi Fowler positions given to the patient were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that SPO2, systolic blood pressure and perfusion index values ​​were higher in the semi-fawler position than in the other positions.