Best Practices for Pediatric Patient Positioning

Proper pediatric patient positioning is crucial in ensuring the safety, comfort, and effectiveness of medical procedures. Whether it’s for diagnostic imaging or therapeutic interventions, understanding the best practices for positioning pediatric patients can help prevent complications, reduce the need for sedation, and improve the overall quality of care. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of pediatric positioning and how it can be optimized to enhance patient outcomes.

Importance of Pediatric Positioning

Positioning plays a vital role in maintaining the anatomical alignment of a child’s body during medical procedures. This is especially important for children who have sustained injuries or have conditions that require immobilization. Proper positioning not only helps in maintaining the current status of the patient but also aids in preventing complications such as pressure injuries, contractures, and respiratory difficulties.

For younger patients, proper positioning is particularly critical. Infants and small children have bodies that are still developing, and incorrect positioning can lead to long-term issues. For example, placing an infant in a position that obstructs their airway can lead to breathing difficulties. Additionally, improper alignment can result in joint and muscle problems, which can be more challenging to correct as the child grows.

Positioning Techniques for Different Age Groups

Infants and Newborns

Newborns and infants require special attention when it comes to positioning. Swaddling is a common practice for newborns as it provides them with a sense of security, mimicking the environment of the womb. For infants who have experienced a spinal cord injury or other significant trauma, swaddling can help prevent episodes of autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a potentially life-threatening condition.

For infants with little muscle tone, proper positioning is essential to avoid joint, bone, and skin damage. Special equipment, such as splints, may be necessary to maintain the correct alignment. Healthcare providers should always be consulted for specific recommendations tailored to each infant's needs.

Older Babies, Children, and Teens

As children grow, their positioning needs evolve. There are four basic positions to consider when placing a child in bed: on their back, on either side, or their stomach (prone). However, prone positioning should be approached with caution, particularly in infants, due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before attempting prone positioning, especially for children with spinal injuries.

When positioning a child on their back, ensure that their spine is straight, and their hips are aligned with the spine. Legs should be extended, and arms should be positioned near the sides. For children with edema or swelling in the limbs, a small positioning block can be used to elevate the affected extremity.

Side positioning requires careful attention to the alignment of the spine, neck, shoulders, and hips. The shoulder closest to the bed should be slightly forward to prevent the child’s weight from resting entirely on the shoulder joint. The upper arm should be supported by a pillow, and the top leg should be slightly flexed and supported by a pillow or block.

Using Proper Equipment

For optimal pediatric patient positioning, utilizing the right equipment is essential. Domico Med-Device offers a range of products designed specifically for pediatric care, ensuring that patients are properly positioned and immobilized during medical procedures.

MedVac Immobilization System

The MedVac Immobilization System is an advanced tool designed to reduce motion during MRI and CT scans. By effectively immobilizing the patient, the system decreases the need for repeat scans, reducing both patient stress and overall procedure time. The chamber system allows for quick and easy application, making it an ideal choice for pediatric patients who may be anxious or uncooperative during imaging. Additionally, the MedVac Immobilization System is MRI-safe, ensuring high-quality imaging results without compromising patient safety.

Hugger

The Hugger provides warmth and security, promoting immobilization during imaging procedures. Designed to fit children aged four months to three years, the Hugger includes separate straps for the head, body, and legs, ensuring that the patient remains securely in place without sacrificing comfort. The ScanCoat finish of the Hugger ensures complete radiolucency, eliminating the need for re-scans due to imaging artifacts. This product is also latex-free, reusable, and includes an adapter for easy attachment to a CT machine.

Table Pads

Proper support and comfort are crucial when positioning pediatric patients, especially during extended procedures. Domico Med-Device offers a variety of table pads designed for different medical applications:

• Uncovered Open-Cell Foam: Ideal for imaging procedures where fluids will not come into contact with the pad. The open-cell foam design provides comfort for patients who need to remain in position for extended periods.

• Vinyl-Covered Open-Cell Foam: Offers protection against fluids while maintaining comfort. The clear vinyl cover makes these pads easy to clean, making them suitable for a variety of medical environments.

• Heavy-Duty Vinyl-Covered Open-Cell Foam: Designed for durability, these pads are perfect for situations that require a robust, long-lasting solution. The thick vinyl cover reduces the risk of tearing and protects the foam from fluid exposure.

• Premium Table Pads: Specifically designed for imaging, these pads feature a crosshair to ensure patients are properly centered during procedures. This is particularly useful for ensuring accurate imaging results.

Consequences of Improper Positioning

Failing to position pediatric patients correctly can lead to several complications, including pressure injuries, respiratory difficulties, and circulatory issues. Pressure injuries are a significant risk, especially for children who are unable to shift their weight independently. Proper positioning helps distribute pressure evenly across the body, reducing the risk of these injuries.

Improper positioning can also lead to respiratory problems. For example, if a child’s head falls forward while seated, their airway can become constricted, making breathing difficult. Similarly, incorrect alignment of the spine can obstruct the airways, leading to inadequate oxygen intake.

Circulatory issues are another concern, particularly if a child’s limbs are not properly supported. Blood vessel constriction can occur if limbs are positioned incorrectly, increasing the risk of blood clots. These clots can travel to vital organs, potentially causing life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack.

Conclusion

Proper pediatric patient positioning is a fundamental aspect of healthcare that can significantly impact patient outcomes. By understanding the best practices for positioning and utilizing the appropriate equipment, healthcare providers can ensure that pediatric patients receive the highest standard of care. Whether it’s reducing the risk of complications, enhancing patient comfort, or improving the quality of imaging results, proper positioning is essential in pediatric healthcare.

Want to learn more? Check out these blog posts to read more about pediatric patient positioning: