positions used during a general physical exam

Proctologic

also called jackknife position may be used as an alternative to the Sims position. the patient is bent at the hips at a 90 degree angle

Sitting

in the sitting position the patient sits at the edge of the examining table without back support

Supine

in the spline also known as the recumbent position the patient lies flat on the back with hands to the side or on the abdomen

Knee chest or Knee elbow

the patient is lying face-down supporting the body with the knees and chest patients thighs should be at a 90-degree angle to the table and slightly elevated

Prone

the patient is lying flat on the table face- down. the patients head is turned to one side and his arms are placed at his sides or bent at the elbows

Fowlers

the patient lies back on the exam table on which the head is elevated at a 45-degree angle

Dorsal recumbent

this position is the same as the supine position except the patients knees are drawn up and feet are flat on the table

Lithotomy

this position is used during examination of the female genitalia in this position the patient lies on her back with her knees bent and her feet in stirrups