Intraoperative positioning of surgical patients

All perioperative team members are responsible for the safe positioning of surgical patients. Circulating nurses coordinate the positioning of patients during intraoperative periods of care. Skilled perioperative nursing interventions afford patients safe and comfortable positioning during surgery, ensure optimal exposures of surgical sites, and prevent postoperative complications (e.g., pressure injuries, neuropathies, cardiovascular and respiratory compromises). Perioperative nurses should have a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, patient risk factors, injury mechanisms, potential complications, and positioning devices before placing patients in required perioperative positions.