Postural Drainage

Question 1

Left Upper Lobe: Lingular Segments

Answer 1

Foot of bed elevated 16 inches.

Patient lies head down on right side and rotates 1/4 turn backward. Pillow may be placed behind from shoulder to hip. Knees should be flexed.

Therapist claps with moderately cupped hand over left nipple area.

Question 2

Upper Lobes: Posterior Segments

Answer 2

Bed flat.

Patient leans over folded pillow at 30 degrees angle.

Therapist stands behind and claps over upper back on both sides.

Question 3

Upper Lobes: Anterior Segments

Answer 3

Bed flat.

Patient lies on back with pillow under knees.

Therapist claps between clavicle and nipple on each side.

Question 4

Lower Lobe: Superior Segments

Answer 4

Bed Flat.

Patient lies on abdomen with two pillows under hips.

Therapist claps over middle of back at tip of scapula on either side of spine.

Question 5

Lower Lobe: Anterior Basal Segments

Answer 5

Foot of bed elevated 20 inches.

Patient lies on side, head down, pillow under knees.

Therapist claps with slightly cupped hand over lower ribs.

Question 6

Lower Lobe: Posterior Basal Segments

Answer 6

Foot of bed elevated 20 inches.

Patient lies on abdomen, head down, with pillow under hips. Therapist claps over lower ribs close to spine on each side.

Question 7

Lower Lobe: Lateral Basal Segments

Answer 7

Foot of bed elevated 20 inches.

Patient lies on abdomen, head down, then rotates 1/4 turn upward. Upper leg is flexed over a pillow for support.

Therapist claps over uppermost portion of lower ribs.

Question 8

Right Middle Lobe

Answer 8

Foot of bed elevated 16 inches.

Patient lies head down on left side and rotates 1/4 turn backward. Pillow may be placed behind from shoulder to hip.

Therapist claps over right nipple area.

Question 9

Upper Lobes: Apical Segments

Answer 9

Bed flat.

Patient leans back on pillow at 30 degrees.

Therapist claps with markedly cupped hand over area between clavicle and top of scapula on each side.