Orthopneic or Tripod Position
Orthopnea is the medical term used to describe a condition in which the patient experiences breathing difficulties unless placed in an upright position. ‘apnea’ refers to breathing, and ‘ortho’ means ‘straight or upright. The patient sits at the side of the bed with their head resting on an over-bed table on top of several pillows. This position is used for patients with breathing difficulties.
When should you use the orthopneic position?
When the patient feels shortness of breath in a low position, such as lying down, orthopneic work is initiated to relieve shortness of breath. This means difficulty breathing except when in an upright position.
Why should you use the orthopnea positions?
Positions that cause shortness of breath. Orthopnea is only applicable when in certain situations. Broadly categorized by being horizontal, the different variations are as follows: Supine: Lying down facing upwards.
Symptom of orthopnea
It is referred to as Dyspnea, a prevalent symptom associated with many illnesses. In addition, when a person feels shortness of breath in a more horizontal position, i.e., lying down, it is referred to as Orthopnea.
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