Positions for Examination

Prone position

Examination of the spine/back. On the stomach, head to one side, hands underneath the head, gown open in back. Used almost exclusively to assess extension of the hip joint.

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. Flexion of the hip and knee improves exposure to the rectal area.

Lithotomy position

Pap smears. On back, legs flexed on abdomen, ffet in stirups, thighs apart. Gown open in back. Provides maximal exposure of genitalia and facilities insertion of the vaginal speculum.

Knee-chest/Genupectoral 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. Provides maximal exposure to the rectal area.

Dorsal recumbent position

Used for digital vaginal or rectal exams. Gown is opened in the front. both feet should be flat on the table, knees flexed. May also be used for abdominal assessment, b/c it promotes relaxation of abdominal muscles.

Jackknife position

Used for examine of the male urethra. Has to be a special table for this position.

Anatomical position

Used for posture and movements

High-Fowler's position

Used for respiratory or cardiovascular problems. On back, head raised 90 ⁹ angle, knees elevated

Modified Trendelenburg position

Used for syncope, and used with a manual table.

Lateral Recumbent position

Used to assess the Heart. This position aids in the detection of murmurs.

Horizontal recumbent/Supine position

Used to exams of breasts/abdominal organs/hemmoroids. Lying flat on the table, with legs together, hands at sides of body. Most common. Most normally relaxed position, provides easy access to pulse sites.

Semi-Fowler's position

Used with respiratory or cardiovascular problems. On back, head elevated to a 45⁹ angle. Patients are most commonly left in this position, due to comfort.