Why is raising the bed head by 30 degrees so important for critically ill patients? How to determine 30 °?

In the recent 8th Union Medical College Intensive Care and Hemodynamics Conference titled "Essence and Breakthrough," nursing specialists emphasized the significance of “bed head elevation of 30 °.” This particular elevation is instrumental in posture care for ICU patients. Proper posture management is vital for clinical nursing, aiding in disease treatment, alleviating symptoms, facilitating examinations, preventing complications, and minimizing pain.

Importance of a 30 ° Elevation

The guidelines for lying positions in "Basic Nursing" clearly stipulate various postures: patients in a concave lying position are recommended to elevate the head and chest by 10 ° to 20 °, while their lower limbs should be raised by 20 ° to 30 °. In a semi-seated position, the head of the bed should be raised by 30 ° to 50 °, whereas an upright position suggests a 70 ° to 80 ° elevation with the knee beneath raised by 15 ° to 20 °. Numerous studies indicate that maintaining a bedside angle between 30 ° and 45 ° in critically ill patients can significantly decrease the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States advocates raising the head of the bed by 30 ° to 45 ° as a standard nursing procedure for critically ill patients. This elevation enhances respiratory function for bedridden patients and significantly benefits those receiving enteral nutrition, improving gastrointestinal peristalsis, reducing reflux, and preventing aspiration. For those on mechanical ventilation, elevating the head of the bed by 30 ° serves as a crucial strategy in preventing VAP. Therefore, positional care has gained heightened recognition in the ICU, becoming pivotal for patient rehabilitation.

Determining the 30 ° Elevation

Understanding how high to raise the bed head within the range of 30 ° to 45 ° is often a concern among nurses. The process is straightforward; it involves adjusting the head of the bed appropriately.

The electric hospital beds from Pukang Medical ICU feature a backboard lift capability, adjustable from 0 to 70 degrees, catering to patients' clinical requirements. Additionally, these beds are equipped with angle indicators on the first guardrail, allowing medical staff to easily observe and set the desired elevation accurately.

Pukang Medical is committed to serving as a pioneer in the medical and health industry, providing innovative medical solutions and humanized nursing services. Currently, Pukang Medical has established its presence in over 6,000 hospitals nationwide, including notable institutions like Beijing Union Medical College Hospital and the General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, extending health services and care to patients and healthcare workers across more than 110 countries and regions globally.