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Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/CCSRR-RA-25-44

The Effect of Right Lateral Positioning Compared to Semi-Fowler on Oxygenation and Comfort in Patients with Dyspnea Due to Cardiomegaly: An Experimental Study

Agussalim *

Pare School of Nursing, Makassar Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health Indonesian Republic, South Sulawesi Province, Makassar City, Indonesia.

*Corresponding Author: Agussalim, Pare School of Nursing, Makassar Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health Indonesian Republic, South Sulawesi Province, Makassar City, Indonesia.

Citation: Agussalim (2025). The Effect of Right Lateral Positioning Compared to Semi-Fowler on Oxygenation and Comfort in Patients with Dyspnea Due to Cardiomegaly: An Experimental Study, J Clinical Case Studies and Review Reports. 2(6) 44, DOI: CCSRR-RA-25-44

Copyright: Agussalim, et al © (2025). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 21 November 2025 | Accepted: 29 November 2025 | Published: 05 December 2025

Keywords: oxygenation; cardiomegaly; respiratory

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of right lateral positioning compared to the semi-Fowler position on oxygenation (PO₂), respiratory rate, and perceived comfort in patients with dyspnea due to cardiomegaly.

Background:

Dyspnea is a common clinical manifestation in patients with cardiomegaly, often resulting from pulmonary congestion and mechanical compression of the lungs caused by an enlarged heart. While semi-Fowler positioning is frequently used to alleviate breathing difficulties, alternative positions, such as the right lateral position, may offer distinct physiological advantages by improving ventilation-perfusion matching and reducing intrathoracic pressure.

Design:

A single-group, pre-post experimental design was conducted to explore the impact of right lateral positioning on key respiratory parameters.

Methods:

A total of 150 hospitalized patients diagnosed with cardiomegaly and experiencing episodes of dyspnea participated in this study. During episodes of mild to moderate dyspnea, patients were instructed to lie in a right lateral position using a pillow for support and comfort. This intervention was performed 3 to 4 times daily, depending on patient need, over a 7-day observation period. Data were collected before and after the intervention, including arterial oxygen partial pressure (PO₂), respiratory rate, breathing pattern (via direct observation), and subjective comfort (using a 5-point Likert scale). Paired t-tests were used to compare the outcomes pre- and post-intervention.

Results:

After one week of intervention, a statistically significant improvement was observed in PO₂ levels (mean increase of 10.7 mmHg) and a decrease in respiratory rate (mean reduction of 5.7 breaths/min). Breathing patterns became more regular and deeper, and 85% of patients reported higher comfort scores while in the right lateral position. These findings suggest that this positioning may facilitate better lung expansion and enhance gas exchange, possibly due to decreased pulmonary compression and improved perfusion.

Conclusions:

Right lateral positioning appears to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving oxygenation, respiratory function, and comfort in patients with dyspnea secondary to cardiomegaly. This simple and low-cost technique can be easily incorporated into daily nursing care.

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