Semi-Fowler Position Improves Physiological Status After Femoral Cardiac Sheath Removal: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Cardiac catheterization is one of the most widely performed cardiac procedures. After this procedure, being confined to the bed for at least 6 hours is usually recommended. Although prolonged bed rest diminishes the procedure's vascular complications, it typically impacts the patient's body functioning, particularly the hemodynamic parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supine versus semi-Fowler position on the patient's hemodynamic status after femoral sheath removal after cardiac catheterization.

A quasi-experimental research design was used. A purposive sample of 80 patients was chosen and divided into the intervention (n = 40) and the control groups (n = 40). The intervention included semi-Fowler positioning of study participants, whereas the control group used supine positioning. Physiological parameters were assessed immediately, after 3 hours, and 6 hours of sheath removal.

There were statistically significant differences in the mean blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate between the study groups (P < .05). However, oxygen saturation measures did not show significant variations.

Compared with the supine position, the semi-Fowler position can improve physiological scores for post-cardiac catheterization patients following femoral sheath removal. Critical care nurses might consider incorporating semi-Fowler positioning into the routine care of cardiac catheterization patients.