Ch. 7 patient positions

Question 1

dorsal recumbent

Answer 1

on back with lower extremities flexed and rotated outward; used for obstetric forceps, vaginal and rectal examination, and bimanual palpation

Question 2

fowler’s

Answer 2

head of the bed or examination table is raised about 18 inches or 46 cm; patient sitting up with knees also elevated

Question 3

knee-chest

Answer 3

on knees, thighs upright, head and upper part of chest resting on bed or examination table, arm crossed and above head; used in sigmoidoscopy, rectal exams, flushing of intestinal canal

Question 4

lithotomy

Answer 4

on back with lower extremities flexed and feel place in stirrups; used in vaginal exams, pap smear

Question 5

orthopneic

Answer 5

sitting upright or erect; used for patients with dyspnea

Question 6

prone

Answer 6

lying face downward; used in exam of the back, injections, and massage

Question 7

sims’

Answer 7

lying left side; right knee and thigh flexed well up above leg, that is slightly flexed; used in exam of rectus after labor

Question 8

supine

Answer 8

lying flat on back with face upward and arms on side; used in exam of neck, chest, abs, and extremities and in vital signs

Question 9

trendelenburg

Answer 9

body supine on a bed or examining that is tilted about 45 degrees; used to displace abdominal organs during surgery and treating cardiovascular pain also called shock position