Physical Assessment Positions

Question 1

Patient lies on back with legs separated, knees flexed, and soles of feet on bed. Should be used to assess the head, anterior thorax, lungs, heart, breasts, extremities, and peripheral pulses. Should not be used to assess abdomen.

Answer 1

Dorsal Recumbent

Question 2

The patient lies flat on the abdomen with the head turned to one side. It is used to assess the hip joint and posterior thorax.

Answer 2

Prone

Question 3

The patient kneels, with the body at a 90 degree angle to the hips, back straight, arms above head. It is used to asses the anus and rectum.

Answer 3

Knee-Chest

Question 4

The patient is in dorsal recumbent position wit the buttocks at the edge of the examining table and the heels in stirrups. It is used to assess female genitalia and rectum.

Answer 4

Lithotomy

Question 5

The patient lies on either side with the lower arm below the body and the upper arm flexed at the shoulder and the elbow. Both knees are flexed, with the upper leg more acutely flexed. It is used to assess the rectum or the vagina.

Answer 5

Sims Position