Patient Positioning

Question 1

Supine position

Answer 1

Lying flat on back with arms to sides.

-assess chest, breast, abdomen, heart and extremities

Question 2

Dorsal-recumbent position

Answer 2

Lying on back with arms on sides. Legs bent at knee, feet flat on table spread should width apart

• assess abdomen, genitals, rectal area
• may be comfortable with back pain or abdominal pain patients

Question 3

Lithotomy position

Answer 3

Lying on back, legs bent, feet in stirrup

-for vaginal exam, Pap smears, pelvic exams

Question 4

Trendelenburg position

Answer 4

Positioned with head lower than feet
-used for shock, fainting, delay in precipitous delivery
Modified trendelenburg position
-feet elevated 45 degrees, head remain level with rest of body

Question 5

Sim’s position

Answer 5

Left lateral position

• lying on left side
• left arm behind back
• right arm front of face
• leg is flexed, right more than left
• used for enemas, suppositories, rectal temp, rectal exam

Question 6

Prone position

Answer 6

Patient lies flat on abdomen

• neck turn to one side
• arms down by side
• use to examine spine, back, lower extremities

Question 7

Knee-chest position

Answer 7

Positioned on knee with head and chest on table, buttocks elevated

• used for rectal exam, proctologic exam and procedures
• difficult for large patients or elderly

Question 8

Jack-knife position

Answer 8

Use for surgical procedures involving rectal area

Question 9

Fowler’s position

Answer 9

Patient sitting at 90 degree angle with lower extremities elevated

• examine chest, head, neck
• used for someone who has difficult breathing

Question 10

Semi-Fowler’s position

Answer 10

Patient sitting 45 degree angle with lower extremities elevated