The following are reasons for changing a patient’s position.

To promote comfort and relaxation.

To restore body function.

• Changing positions improves gastrointestinal function.
• It also improves respiratory function.
• Changing positions allows for greater lung expansion.
• It relieves pressure on the diaphragm.

To prevent deformities.

• When one lies in bed for long periods of time, muscles become atonic and atrophy.
• Prevention of deformities will allow the patient to ambulate when his activity level is advanced.

To relieve pressure and prevent strain (which lead to the formation of decubiti).

To stimulate circulation.

To give treatments (that is), range of motion exercises).