Positions during a general physical examination quiz 1
Proctologic (position)
The patient is bent at the hips at a 90-degree angle. The patient can assume this position by standing next to the examining table and bending at the waist until the chest rest on the table. It is used as an alternative to the Sim's or Knee-chest position
Knee-chest (position)
The patient is lying on the table facedown, supporting the body with the knees and chest. The patient should have the thights at a 90-degree angle to the table and slightly separated, the head turned to one side, and the arms are placed to the side or above the head. It is used during exmans of the anal and perineal areas and during certain proctologic procedures
Trendelenburg's (position)
The patient is supine on a titled table with the head lower than the legs. This position is used in certain surgical procedures or emergencies, and also on patients with low blood pressure or a patient experiencing shock
Fowler's (position)
The patient lies back on an examining table on which the head is elevated. The doctor may examine the head, neck, and chest areas, it is one of the best positions for examining patients who are experiencing shortness of breath, or lower-back injury
Dorsal recumbent (position)
The patient lies faceup, with his back supporting all his weight. The patient knees are drawn up and the and the feet are flat on the table.The physician may examine the head, neck, chest, and heart
Supine (position)
The patient lies flat on the back. The physician examine head, neck, chest, heart, abdomen, arms, and legs
Prone (position)
The patient lies flat on the table, facedown. The patient's head is turned to one side, and his arms are placed at his sides or bent at the elbows. The physician can examine the back, feet, or musculoskeletal system
Lithotomy (position)
The patient lies on her back with her knees bent and her feet in stirups attached to the end of the examining table. This position is used during exam of the female genitalia
Sims' (position)
The patient lies on the left side. His or her left leg is slightly bent, and the left arm is placed behind the back so that the patient's weight is resting primarily on the chest. It is used during anal or rectal exams
Sitting (position)
The patient sits at the edge of the examining table without back support. The physician examines the patient's head, neck, heart, back, and arms