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.
