Why is it important?

- A comfortable position will help the patient relax

- Do not leave patient who is weak, dizzy, at risk for falling
- Keep the patient covered with appropriate draping

No Name & picture Description Function

1. Standing Typical position for
examination of male
patients genitals &
assessment for hernia
Screening test for scoliosis

2. Sitting Drape sheet extended on lap & Examination of Head, eyes,

legs ears, nose & throat, parts of
the neurological exam

3. Supine Patient lies flat on back It is used for examinations of

Arms are extended at side the abdomen and breasts
Legs are extended and some surgical
Draping extends from under procedures and x-rays
the armpits to the toes

4. Dorsal recumbent Flat on back with knees bent It is used for pelvic, bladder
and feet flat on exam table and rectal examinations
Drape placed in diamond-
shaped fashion:
Cover chest and pubic area
cover / wrap each leg with the
corners of the drape
5. Lithotomy Position patient in dorsal It is used for pelvic, bladder
recumbent position with feet and rectal examinations, pap
on corners of table/the smears
position of feet placed into
stirrups.
The arms
The head
Drape covers in diamond-
shaped fashion
6. Sims Patient lies on side with top It is used for rectal exams
leg bent sharply and lower leg and when giving enemas or
bent slightly. suppositories, Rectal
The arms temperature
The head

Drape from shoulders to toes

7. Knee chest Patient kneels on exam table It is used for rectal exams
Buttocks raised and sometimes vaginal and
Head and chest remain flat on prostatic exams
table
Pillow under chest may
provide comfort
The arms
The legs
The head
Drape covers back and legs
8. Prone Patient lies on abdomen It is used for examinations of
The arms are extended at side the back and
The legs musculoskeletal,
The head neurological, the spine and
legs
Drape extends from shoulders
to knees
9. Fowlers Sitting with backrest elevated It is used for examinations of
at 90 angle the head, neck, eyes, ears,
The arms nose and throat
Legs are extended flat on table
Examination of lower
extremities / feet
Drape should cover legs
10. Semi fowlers Sitting with backrest elevated It is used for patients who
at 45 angle are having trouble breathing,
Legs extended flat on table or when the supine position
May be position of comfort for is uncomfortable
respiratory patients
Drape should cover legs
Why is it important?
- A comfortable position will help the patient relax
- Do not leave patient who is weak, dizzy, at risk for falling
- Keep the patient covered with appropriate draping

No Name & picture Description Function

1. Standing

2. Sitting

3. Supine

4. Dorsal recumbent
5. Lithotomy

6. Sims

7. Knee chest

8. Prone

9. Fowlers

10. Semi fowlers