Patient Positioning

Low Fowlers

a position in which the head of the patient's bed is raised 15 to 30 degrees above the level, with the knees sometimes also elevated.

High-Fowler's position

a position in which the head of the patient's bed is raised 30 to 90 degrees above the level, with the knees sometimes also elevated.

Knee-chest position

Rectal exams, proctological exams and occasionally a sigmoidoscopy. Hands folded under head, chest down to the table, knees separated. gown open in the back

Lateral

side-lying position, for sleep and comfort

Prone position

Examination of the spine/back. On the stomach, head to one side, hands underneath the head, gown open in back

Sims' position

Examination/treatment of the rectal area & enemas. Turned on left side, right leg drawn up high & forward, left arm along back and chest forward. Gown open in back

Supine

Used to exams of breasts/abdominal organs/hemmoroids. Lying flat on the table, with legs together, hands at sides of body.

Semi-Fowler's position

Used with respiratory or cardiovascular problems. On back, head elevated to a 45⁹ angle

reverse Trendelenburg position

a supine position with the patient on a plane inclined with the head higher than the rest of the body and appropriate safety devices such as a footboard.

Orthopneic

difficulty breathing while lying flat

Dorsal Recumbent

position of patient on the back, with lower limbs flexed and rotated outward; used in vaginal examination, application of obstetrical forceps, and other procedures.

Trendelenburg

the body is laid supine, or flat on the back with the feet higher than the head by 15-30 degrees used in shock, hypotension, and fetal umbilical cord prolapse

Lithotomy position

the patient lies on the back with the legs well separated, thighs acutely flexed on the abdomen, and legs on thighs; stirrups may be used to support the feet and legs.