Examination Positions

Trendelenburg Position

Used to treat patients with high blood pressure, trauma, and certain abdominal procedures. Patient lies on table & the end of the table is raised, so the feet are higher than the head

Prone Position

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

Sim's 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

Knee-Chest Position

•Rectal and Proctologic exams. •Hands folded under head, chest down to the table, knees separated. •Gown opens in the back

Lithotomy Position

•Used for Pelvic exams •On back, legs flexed on abdomen, feet in stirrups, thighs apart. •Gown opens in back.

Dorsal Recumbent Position

•Used for digital vaginal or rectal examination •Both feet should be flat on the table, knees flexed, the abdominal muscles relaxed. •Gown is opened in the front

Proctologic Position

•Used for rectal examination •Head down, legs down and butt in the air •Gown opened in back

Fowler's Position

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

Supine Position

•Used to exam breasts •Abdomen, and legs 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