Effect analysis of nursing at different angles lateral position on improving respiratory indicators and prognosis in patients with severe pneumonia

LIU Lingling; WU Dandan

doi:10.12102/j.issn.2095-8668.2025.15.018

Abstract：Objective: To explore the effect of different angle lateral positioning nursing on respiratory indicators and prognosis in patients with severe pneumonia. Methods: A total of 96 patients with severe pneumonia admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to February 2024 were randomly divided into three groups, A, B, and C, with 32 cases in each group. Group A received 30° lateral positioning nursing, Group B received 45° lateral positioning nursing, and Group C received 60° lateral positioning nursing. The respiratory rate, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), and oxygenation index before and after mechanical ventilation were compared among the three groups, as well as the sputum volume within 24 hours after mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, and hospital stay. Prognostic outcomes were also recorded. Results: The respiratory rate of Group B was lower than that of Groups A and C at 2 h and 6 h after intubation, and Group C was lower than Group A. The PaO2 and oxygenation index of Group B were higher than those of Groups A and C at 2 h and 6 h after intubation, and Group C was higher than Group A. With prolonged mechanical ventilation time, the 24-hour sputum volume of the three groups gradually decreased. The 24-hour sputum volume of Group B on the third and fifth days after mechanical ventilation was lower than that of Groups A and C; the 24-hour sputum volume of Group C on the fifth day was lower than that of Group A. The duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay of Group B were shorter than those of Groups A and C, and Group C was shorter than Group A. The APACHE II score of Group B was lower than that of Groups A and C, and the KPS score of Group B was higher than that of Groups A and C; Group C had a lower APACHE II score than Group A, and a higher KPS score than Group A. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: 45° lateral positioning nursing can improve respiratory function in patients with severe pneumonia, reduce sputum volume, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay, thereby improving prognosis.