Body Positions Flashcards

Body Positions

• Dorsal Recumbent (Supine) Position: Primarily for abdominal, chest, and breast examinations; first choice for Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).

• Knee-Chest (Genupectoral) Position: Patient kneels with weight on knees and chest, abdomen raised; used for rectal and proctological exams, sometimes sigmoidoscopy. Includes folded arms under the head and gown opened at the back.

• Sims Position: Patient lies on the left side with the right knee drawn up and the left arm behind the back; facilitates certain examinations.

• Reverse Trendelenburg's Position: Head of the bed elevated, foot lowered; useful in various clinical scenarios.

• Trendelenburg's Position: Used for patients with orthostatic hypotension, trauma, or syncope; involves tilting the table to raise the feet above the head.

• Lithotomy Position: Patient lies on back with feet and legs raised in stirrups; used mainly for gynecological procedures like Pap smears.

• Lateral Recumbent Position: Patient lies on either left or right side; often used for comfort or specific examinations.

• Fowler's Position: Sitting position achieved by elevating the head of the bed; enhances respiration, cardiac output, and aids in diagnostics. Useful for postoperative recovery and for patients needing to eat or communicate.

• High Fowler's Position: Patient sits nearly upright at 60 to 90 degrees; beneficial for patients with breathing difficulties.

• Semi-Fowler's Position: Supine position with the head of the bed elevated at 30 to 60 degrees; promotes comfort and ventilation, particularly post-thoracic surgery.

• Low Fowler's Position: Bed-sitting position with head elevated between 15 and 45 degrees; assists patients suspected of snoring or sleep apnea.

• Proctologic Position: Specific for examinations of the colon, rectum, and lower intestines, mainly used in proctology.

• Supine Position: General lying flat on the back; facilitates examination of extremities and the abdomen.

• Prone Position: Patient lies face down; used to check spine alignment and examine shoulders, neck, and legs.

Physiological Effects of Supine Position

• Cardiovascular Effects:

  • Decreased heart rate
  • Increased cardiac output
  • Decrease in systolic pressure
  • Venous pooling in lower extremities

• Respiratory Effects:

  • Compromised respiratory function
  • Decreased vital capacity
  • Reduced diaphragmatic expansion
  • Even distribution of lung ventilation

Trendelenburg Position

• Definition: Modification of the supine position where the table is tilted so the upper torso is lower than the legs.

• Uses:

  • Ideal for procedures involving the lower abdomen and pelvic organs; helps by tilting viscera away from the pelvic area.

• Considerations: Patient should be flat on back with arms on padded boards; draw sheets should extend above elbows for safety.

• Safety Considerations:

  • Always ensure knees are over the break in the table to flex the knee section properly.
  • Avoid using shoulder braces due to potential complications.