Positions

Question 1

Horizontal Recumbent (Supine)

Answer 1

Laying flat on back
Arms at sides
Legs flat and together

Used for:
Examination and treatment of the anterior portion of the body

Question 2

Dorsal Recumbent

Answer 2

Laying flat on back
Arms at sides
Knees bent
Soles of the feet on the table

Used for:
Assessing the abdominal area (because it allows for relaxation of the abdominal muscles)
Could also be used for vaginal or rectal exam

Question 3

Prone

Answer 3

Laying flat on belly
Elbows bent with hands under the head
Legs flat and together

Used for:
Examination and treatment of the dorsal surface (posterior side)

Question 4

Sims’ (AKA Lateral Recumbent)

Answer 4

Lay on one side
Bend a knee, but leave it on the table
Roll toward the bent knee

Used for:
Examination and treatment of the rectal area
i.e. enemas, rectal temperatures, rectal medication administration

Question 5

Knee - Chest

Answer 5

Chest and knees are flat on the table
Knees are separated
Arms crossed under the head
Head turned to the side

Used for:
Rectal exams

Question 6

Trendelenburg (AKA Shock)

Answer 6

Supine position
Feet elevated while keeping the body straight

Used for:
Patients who have experienced syncope
Critical Care and EMS with trauma, hemorrhage, and ↓ BP
Sometimes beneficially in abdominal and pelvic surgical procedures

Question 7

Fowler’s

Answer 7

Sitting straight up at a 90 degree angle

Used for:
Patients with respiratory or cardiovascular problems
Examine the trunk of the body

Question 8

Semi - Fowler’s

Answer 8

Sitting up at a 45 degree angle

Used for:
Examinations and treatment of anterior side of the body

Question 9

Lithotomy

Answer 9

Laying on back
Arms at sides
Feet up with knees bent at a 90 degree angle

Used for:
Genital (male or female) or rectal examination