What it means
Raising the head of the bed (HOB) is one of the most common nursing orders: for example, "HOB at least 30 degrees" for a client on tube feedings or a ventilator, to lower the risk of aspiration and pneumonia, or "HOB 30 degrees" for raised pressure in the skull. Positions named by the angle include semi-Fowler positionSEM-ee FOW-ler puh-ZISH-unA position in which the client lies on the back with the head of the bed raised about 30 to 45 degrees.Full entry and Fowler positionFOW-ler puh-ZISH-unA sitting-up position in bed, with the head of the bed raised between 45 and 90 degrees.Full entry .
In a chart
"HOB maintained at 35 degrees; tube feeding infusing at 50 mL/hr."
At a glance
| Also written | HOB, head of bed |
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Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
Fowler position
A sitting-up position in bed, with the head of the bed raised between 45 and 90 degrees.
ventilator-associated pneumonia
A lung infection that starts 48 hours or more after a client has been put on a breathing machine through a tube.
semi-Fowler position
A position in which the client lies on the back with the head of the bed raised about 30 to 45 degrees.