Anatomy-Based Assessment of Safe Patient Positioning in Perioperative Nursing Practice at National Hospital Abuja

Patient positioning in the operating theatre is a specialised skill that demands comprehensive anatomical understanding of neurovascular structures at risk during prolonged surgical positioning. Complications attributable to improper positioning, including peripheral nerve stretch injuries, compartment syndrome, pressure ulcers, and brachial plexus palsy, represent a significant source of preventable perioperative morbidity. Despite the frequency of these complications in Nigerian surgical settings, no systematic evaluation of anatomy-based positioning knowledge among perioperative nurses has been conducted. This study aims to assess the anatomical knowledge underlying safe patient positioning practices among perioperative nurses at the National Hospital Abuja, North Central Nigeria. A validated knowledge questionnaire addressing vulnerable anatomical positions, bony prominences at risk, and neurovascular pressure points will be administered to 80 perioperative nurses. An observational component will assess the application of this knowledge during simulated positioning scenarios. Findings will identify knowledge gaps amenable to targeted continuing education. The study anticipates that its findings will support the development of an anatomy-focused positioning competency framework for perioperative nursing education in Nigerian tertiary health facilities.

Keywords: perioperative nursing, patient positioning, anatomy knowledge, nerve injury, National Hospital Abuja