The posture a patient adopts when lying in bed often gives a valuable diagnostic clue.
Hemiplegia
A patient with hemiplegia lies in bed with one side immobile, the affected arm flexed and the affected leg extremely rotated and extended.
Meningitis and tetanus
The patient has neck stiffness and opisthotonus, a state of a severe hyperextension and spasticity.
Colic
In renal, biliary or intestinal colic, the patient is markedly restless and tossing and turning in bed in agony.
Acute inflammatory abdominal disease
The patient lies on his back quietly with legs drawn up.
Cardiorespiratory embarrassment
The patient is more comfortable in sitting-up position. This position is also assumed in abdominal destention and ascites when intra-abdominal pressure is raised.
Pneumonia and pleurisy
The patient is most comfortable lying on the affected side because the movement on the affected side is restricted.
