3. POSITIONS IN PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS Flashcards
The client should sit upright on the side of the examination table.
SITTING P
P: This position is good for evaluating the head, neck, lungs, chest, back, breasts, axillae, heart, vital signs, and upper extremities. This position is also useful because it permits full expansion of the lungs and it allows the examiner to assess symmetry of upper body parts.
SITTING P
Ask the client to lie down with the legs together on the examination table (or bed if in a home setting). A small pillow may be placed under the head to promote comfort.
SUPINE P
P: Areas assessed with the client in this position may include head, neck, chest, breasts, axillae, abdomen, heart, lungs, and all extremities.
SUPINE P
The client lies down on the examination table or bed with the knees bent, the legs separated, and the feet flat on the table or the bed.
C. DORSAL RECUMBENT POSITION
P: Areas that may be assessed with the client in this position include head, neck, chest, axillae, lungs, heart, extremities, breasts, and peripheral pulses. The abdomen should not be assessed because the abdominal muscles are contracted in this position.
DORSAL RECUMBENT POSITION
The client lies on the right or left side with the lower arm placed behind the body and the upper arm flexed at the shoulder and the elbow. The lower leg is slightly flexed at the knee, while the upper leg is flexed at a sharper angle and pulled forward.
SIMS P
P: This position is useful for assessing the rectal and vaginal areas.
SIMS P
The client stands still in a normal, comfortable, resting posture.
STANDING P
P: This position allows the examiner to assess posture, balance, and gait. This position is also used for examining the male genitalia.
STANDING P
The client lies down on the abdomen with the head to the side.
PRONE P
P: The _____is used primarily to assess the hip joint. The back can also be assessed with the client in this position. Clients with cardiac and respiratory problems cannot tolerate this position.
PRONE P
The client kneels on the examination table with the weight of the body supported by the chest and the knees. A 90-degree angle should exist between the body and the hips. The arms are placed above the head, with the head turned to one side. A small pillow may be used to provide comfort.
KNEE-CHEST P
P: The _____________ is useful for examining the rectum.
KNEE-CHEST P
The client lies on the back with the hips at the edge of the examination table and the feet supported by stirrups.
LITHOTOMY P
