What it means
Named for a three-legged stand, because the body is propped on its two arms and its seat. Leaning forward on the arms lets the chest and neck muscles help lift the rib cage, which makes breathing easier. People who are working hard to breathe often take this position on their own; nurses also teach it, often with the arms on an overbed table.
For the nurse
A client who chooses to sit this way is telling you something about their breathing: count the respiratory rate, check oxygen saturation and lung sounds, and report it. Let them stay in the position that helps them.
At a glance
| Also written | tripoding, tripod positioning |
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