The Effect of Supine, Semi-Fowler’s, and Fowler’s Positions on the Blood Pressure Values of Patients Hospitalized in Surgical Clinics

Abstract

Aim: Blood pressure measurement is an integral part of clinical practice in patient care and treatment, as well as being of critical importance in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the complications of hypertension. This study was carried out to determine the effect of supine, semi-Fowler’s, and Fowler’s positions on the blood pressure values of patients hospitalized in surgical clinics. Material and methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out with 112 preoperative surgical patients hospitalized in the surgical clinics of a training and research hospital. Using a bedside monitor, the patients' systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured in the supine, Fowler’s, and semi-Fowler’s positions. The Pearson correlation coefficient, Mauchly's sphericity, ANOVA, and Bonferroni correction were used in the data analysis. Results: While systolic blood pressure values did not differ between the supine and semi-Fowler’s positions (F = .007, p = .934), there was a significant difference between the semi-Fowler’s and Fowler’s positions (F =5.534, p = .020). Diastolic blood pressure values differed significantly between the supine and semi-Fowler’s (F = 7.406, p = .008) and semi-Fowler’s and Fowler’s (F = 9.038, p = .003) positions. Conclusions: It is vital for nurses to establish procedures for blood pressure measurement and evaluation in the clinic and other team members and periodically revise the existing procedures.

Keywords

• diastolic pressure
• systolic pressure
• posture
• nursing
• preoperative procedure