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Examination Positions

This document describes different examination positions and their advantages and disadvantages. It lists the supine, sitting, dorsal recumbent, Sims, prone, and knee-chest positions. For each position, it indicates the areas that can be assessed in that position and notes any relevant advantages or disadvantages. The supine position is best for anterior chest exams but may be difficult for patients with breathing issues. The sitting position provides good visualization of the head, neck, chest and allows full lung expansion. The dorsal recumbent position can be used to examine the abdomen and is usually more comfortable for patients with abdominal pain.

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Maddy Love Yael
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3K views2 pages

Examination Positions

This document describes different examination positions and their advantages and disadvantages. It lists the supine, sitting, dorsal recumbent, Sims, prone, and knee-chest positions. For each position, it indicates the areas that can be assessed in that position and notes any relevant advantages or disadvantages. The supine position is best for anterior chest exams but may be difficult for patients with breathing issues. The sitting position provides good visualization of the head, neck, chest and allows full lung expansion. The dorsal recumbent position can be used to examine the abdomen and is usually more comfortable for patients with abdominal pain.

Uploaded by

Maddy Love Yael
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Examination Positions

POSITIONS AREAS ASSESSED ADVANTAGES &


DISADVANTAGES

■ Anterior chest for ■ If patient has trouble


SUPINE
respiratory, breathing in
cardiac, and breast exams supine position, use semi-
(should be supine for breast Fowler’s
exam). position (semi sitting with
■ Pulses and extremities. knees
flexed and supported by
pillows).

■ Head and neck. ■ Provides good visualization.


SITTING
■ Anterior and posterior chest ■ Allows full lung expansion
for for
respiratory, cardiac, and respiratory assessment.
breast ■ Patients with weakness or
exams. paralysis
■ Vital signs and upper may have difficulty assuming
extremities. position and need assistance.

DORSAL RECUMBENT ■ Abdomen: Basically supine ■ If patient has abdominal


position with knees slightly pain,
flexed to relax abdominal flexing knees is usually more
muscles. comfortable.
■ Female pelvic area if patient ■ Older patients may have
is difficulty
unable to assume lithotomy or assuming lithotomy position.
Sims’ position.
■ Lithotomy position for
female
pelvic and rectal areas
essentially same as dorsal
recumbent but legs and feet
in
stirrups.

SIMS
■ Female pelvic and rectal ■ May be difficult to assume if
areas: patient
Best alternative if patient is has arthritis.
unable to assume lithotomy ■ Contraindicated if patient
position. has had
total hip replacement.

PRONE
■ Musculoskeletal system. ■ Difficult position for many
patients,
especially those with
respiratory
disease.
KNEE-CHEST
■ Male rectal and prostate ■ This position and its
areas: alternative
Best position for these exams. (bending over a table) are
very
difficult and embarrassing for
most
patients.)

Maddie

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