Proper Patient Positioning Terminology

Question 1

Answer 1

The Standard Anatomical Position involves the patient standing upright with feet flat on the floor, arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and the head directed straight ahead.

Question 2

Answer 2

Fowler’s Position is when the patient’s head and trunk are raised between 40-90°, commonly used for patients with cardiac issues or breathing difficulties.

Question 3

Answer 3

The Lateral (Decubitus) Position.

Lateral Position involves the patient lying on their right or left side. Right lateral means the patient’s right side touches the bed, and left lateral means the left side touches the bed.

Question 4

Answer 4

The Lithotomy Position

The Lithotomy Position involves the patient lying on their back with legs elevated, typically used for gynecological procedures and childbirth.

Question 5

Answer 5

Prone Position

A position where the patient
lies on his stomach with his back up.The head is typically turned to one side. This position allows for drainage of the mouth after oral or neck surgery. It also allows for full
flexion of knee and hip joints.

Question 6

Answer 6

Reverse Trendelenburg Position

The patient is supine with the head of the bed elevated and the foot of the bed down. This position may be
used in surgery to help promote
perfusion in obese patients. It can
also be helpful in treating venous air
embolism and preventing
pulmonary aspiration.

Question 7

Answer 7

Sim’s Position involves the patient lying on their side with the upper leg drawn towards the chest and the upper arm flexed, commonly used for administering enemas or perineal exams.

Question 8

Answer 8

The Supine Position is where the
patient is flat on his back. Supine is
considered the most natural “at
rest” position, and is often used in
surgery for abdominal, facial, and
extremity procedures.

Question 9

Answer 9

The Trendelenburg Position

This position involves a supine patient and sharply lowering the
head of the bed and raising the foot,
creating an “upside down” effect.

In the past, this position was frequently used to treat hypotension, although this has fallen out of favor in recent years due to studies showing it to be ineffective and potentially dangerous.

It is helpful during
gynecological and abdominal hernia
surgeries, and in the placement of central lines.

Question 10

Answer 10

The Semi-Fowler’s Position involves the patient lying on their back with the head and trunk raised between 15 to 45 degrees, typically around 30 degrees.

Question 11

Answer 11

The Orthopneic Position is a position assumed to relieve orthopnea (difficulty breathing except when in an upright position); the patient assumes an upright or semivertical position by using pillows to support the head and chest, or sits upright in a chair.

Question 12

What is the Decubitus Position used for?

Answer 12

The Decubitus Position is used for taking radiographs of the chest or abdomen, where the patient can be prone (ventral), supine (dorsal), or lateral (left or right side).

Question 13

Answer 13

Dorsal Decubitus Position

Question 14

Answer 14

Lateral Decubitus Position

Question 15

Answer 15

Ventral Decubitus Position

Question 16

Answer 16

The Frog Leg Position is used when treating certain pelvic cancers, with the patient supine, feet together, legs bent and abducted like frog legs.

Question 17

Answer 17

Rose’s Position is intended to prevent aspiration or swallowing of blood by positioning the patient supine with the head and neck extended, supported by shoulder blades and a ring under the head.

Question 18

What surgical procedures typically use the Supine Position?

Answer 18

The Supine Position is commonly used in abdominal, facial, and extremity surgeries.

Question 19

How does the Prone Position benefit patients after oral or neck surgery?

Answer 19

The Prone Position allows for drainage of the mouth after surgery, reducing the risk of complications.

Question 20

What is the typical angle used in the Semi-Fowler’s Position?

Answer 20

The typical angle used in the Semi-Fowler’s Position is around 30 degrees.

Question 21

Why is the Orthopneic Position important for patients with breathing issues?

Answer 21

The Orthopneic Position helps relieve orthopnea, allowing patients to breathe more easily by being in an upright or semi-upright position.

Question 22

How is the Lithotomy Position supported?

Answer 22

In the Lithotomy Position, the patient’s legs are supported by stirrups to keep them elevated during procedures.

Question 23

What is a typical use for the Lateral Decubitus Position?

Answer 23

The Lateral Decubitus Position is typically used for radiographs of the chest or abdomen when the patient is lying on their side.

Question 24

What are the anatomical landmarks used for surface positioning?

Answer 24

Key anatomical markers include the: nose
chin (mental protuberance)
cricoid cartilage
thyroid cartilage
suprasternal notch
sternum (manubrium)
xiphoid tip
umbilicus
pelvic mound (pubic symphysis)

Question 25

Question 26

Question 27

What is the process of aligning patients using tattoos and lasers called?

Answer 27

Aligning patients using tattoos and lasers is known as leveling or triangulation.

Question 28

How do therapists use tattoos for patient alignment?

Answer 28

Therapists align two lateral (LAT) dot tattoos and one anterior (AP) dot tattoo with the lasers to position the patient. The actual treatment iso-center is marked with a “+” symbol.

Question 29

The actual treatment iso-center

Answer 29

The tumor treatment site, Tx Iso-Center, is usually at another location and marked, using marker, with a “+” symbol. It may be protected by a clear Tegaderm sticker.

Question 30

What are the rules of alignment/triangulation

Answer 30