Head elevation plays a crucial role in patient care for several reasons:
1. Improved Respiratory Function: Elevating the head helps in reducing the risk of aspiration and improves respiratory mechanics, which is especially important for patients with respiratory distress or those on mechanical ventilation. 2. Reduced Intracranial Pressure: For patients with conditions like traumatic brain injury or increased intracranial pressure, head elevation can facilitate venous outflow from the brain and reduce pressure. 3. Enhanced Gastric Emptying: In patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or those with feeding tubes, elevating the head can help in reducing the risk of reflux and aspiration.
