NURSING CARE FOR A PATIENT WITH DYSPNEA THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF SEMI-FOWLER’S POSITION (30°–45°) TO IMPROVE OXYGEN SATURATION IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF ARIFIN ACHMAD REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Dyspnea is a common symptom experienced by stroke patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to weakened respiratory muscles and impaired ventilation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of applying the Semi-Fowler’s position (30°–45°) to improve oxygen saturation in a stroke patient with dyspnea. The intervention was implemented over three consecutive days, following the nursing process framework of assessment, diagnosis, intervention, implementation, and evaluation within the Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (EBNP) approach. The intervention was performed in the ICU of Arifin Achmad Regional General Hospital, Riau Province. Data were collected through observation and patient feedback, analyzed qualitatively using a descriptive method. The indicators of success referred to the Standar Luaran Keperawatan Indonesia (SLKI), which included decreased dyspnea, improved respiratory pattern, reduced use of accessory muscles, and increased oxygen saturation levels. Results showed that the Semi-Fowler’s position effectively enhanced oxygen saturation from 90% to 99%, stabilized respiratory rate from 28 to 20 breaths per minute, and improved patient comfort, relaxation, and activity tolerance. The findings indicate that the Semi-Fowler’s position is a simple, safe, and effective non-pharmacological nursing intervention that can enhance respiratory efficiency, hemodynamic stability, and overall recovery in stroke patients with dyspnea.