Patient Positioning Quiz: Match Position to Procedure

1. Which position is optimal for abdominal surgery requiring full access to viscera?

Supine

Prone

Lithotomy

Trendelenburg

2. A patient undergoing lower abdominal or gynecologic procedures is placed in lithotomy position. What is the primary risk during this positioning?

Decreased venous return

Nerve compression in the lower extremities

Increased intracranial pressure

Respiratory compromise

3. Trendelenburg position elevates the pelvis above the head. For which procedure is this position most commonly used?

Spinal fusion

Pelvic or lower abdominal surgery

Thoracic surgery

Carotid artery repair

4. During prone positioning for spinal surgery, which anatomical structure is at greatest risk of compression injury?

Brachial plexus

Facial nerves and eyes

Femoral artery

Radial nerve

5. A patient is placed in the right lateral decubitus position. Which side of the body is dependent (lower)?

Right side

Left side

Anterior surface

Posterior surface

6. Reverse Trendelenburg position (head elevated above pelvis) is preferred for which type of surgery?

Pelvic procedures

Head and neck surgery

Lower extremity vascular surgery

Renal surgery

7. In supine position, pressure ulcers are most likely to develop over which bony prominence?

Sacrum

Occipital protuberance

Ischial tuberosity

Anterior superior iliac spine

8. The Sims position (semi-prone, left lateral) is commonly used for which procedure?

Rectal examination or enema administration

Cardiac catheterization

Carotid endarterectomy

Thyroid surgery

9. A patient in the knee-chest (genupectoral) position is positioned for which procedure?

Colonoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy or proctologic examination

Cardiac stress testing

Carotid ultrasound

10. During lithotomy position, the patient's hips and knees are flexed and legs are abducted. What is a common complication if the position is maintained too long?

Compartment syndrome in the lower legs

Sciatic nerve palsy

Rhabdomyolysis

All of the above

11. In prone positioning, the patient's arms should be positioned alongside the body or abducted at less than 90°. Why?

To prevent brachial plexus traction injury

To improve respiratory mechanics

To reduce intracranial pressure

To facilitate venous return

Submit

14. True or False: The lithotomy position increases venous return and is therefore ideal for patients with cardiovascular compromise.

True

False

15. True or False: Prone positioning requires careful attention to eye protection and facial padding to prevent pressure ulcers and corneal abrasion.