Surgical Assistant how-to

How to Position a Patient Safely

Positioning prevents nerve and skin injury.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Positioning prevents nerve and skin injury. In short: review; use; pad, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review the procedure.

  2. Use proper positioning devices.

  3. Pad pressure points.

  4. Check limbs and alignment.

  5. Secure the patient.

  6. Recheck after draping.

Safety reminders for surgical assistants

  • Follow sterile technique
  • Use sharps safety
  • Pad pressure points
  • Participate in counts and time-outs

Exposure · Retraction · Hemostasis · Cautery · Suture · Sterile field: see the full surgical assistant glossary.

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