Physical Therapy Examination Positions Quiz

1. What position is commonly used during the examination of the female genitalia (pap smears)?

Lithotomy position

Supine position

Prone position

Knee-chest position

The lithotomy position is commonly used during gynecological examinations as it allows for easy access to the female genitalia while maintaining patient comfort and proper positioning. The prone position is facedown, supine position is lying face up, and knee-chest position is on hands and knees with buttocks elevated.

Explanation

The lithotomy position is commonly used during gynecological examinations as it allows for easy access to the female genitalia while maintaining patient comfort and proper positioning. The prone position is facedown, supine position is lying face up, and knee-chest position is on hands and knees with buttocks elevated.

2. How should a physician evaluate the pt's ability to fully expand the lungs and check body parts for symmetry?

Prone position

Supine position

Sitting position

Standing position

When evaluating a patient's ability to fully expand the lungs and check for symmetry in body parts, it is best done in the sitting position as this allows for optimal lung expansion and clear view of body symmetry.

Explanation

When evaluating a patient's ability to fully expand the lungs and check for symmetry in body parts, it is best done in the sitting position as this allows for optimal lung expansion and clear view of body symmetry.

3. What position is the patient in when lying flat on their back with the hands to the side?

Supine

Lateral

Fowler

Prone

The correct answer is 'Supine' because it describes the position of the patient lying flat on their back with the hands to the side, allowing for examination of various body parts by the physician.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'Supine' because it describes the position of the patient lying flat on their back with the hands to the side, allowing for examination of various body parts by the physician.

4. A patient lies face-up, knees drawn up, and feet flat on the table. The physician can examine the head, neck, chest, and heart.

Dorsal recumbent

Lithotomy

Supine

Prone

The position described in the question is known as dorsal recumbent, where the patient is lying on their back with knees up and feet flat. Prone position is lying face-down, supine position is lying face-up with legs straight, and lithotomy position is lying on the back with legs raised and feet in stirrups.

Explanation

The position described in the question is known as dorsal recumbent, where the patient is lying on their back with knees up and feet flat. Prone position is lying face-down, supine position is lying face-up with legs straight, and lithotomy position is lying on the back with legs raised and feet in stirrups.

5. What position is best for patients with shortness of breath where the head is elevated at a 45 degree angle?

Sims' position

Trendelenburg position

Supine position

Fowler's position

Fowler's position is the standard position where the patient lies back on an exam table with the head elevated at a 45 degree angle to help improve breathing. The other positions listed do not specifically address the issue of shortness of breath.

Explanation

Fowler's position is the standard position where the patient lies back on an exam table with the head elevated at a 45 degree angle to help improve breathing. The other positions listed do not specifically address the issue of shortness of breath.

6. A patient lies flat on the table, face down. Their head is turned to one side and their arms are placed at sides or bent at the elbow. This position allows the physician to examine the back, feet, and musculoskeletal system. What is this position called?

Supine

Prone

Lateral

Fetal

The position described where the patient lies face down is known as prone. Supine is when the patient lies face up, fetal is a curled-up position, and lateral refers to a side lying position.

Explanation

The position described where the patient lies face down is known as prone. Supine is when the patient lies face up, fetal is a curled-up position, and lateral refers to a side lying position.

7. What position describes a patient lying on the left side with left leg slightly bent, left arm behind the back, right knee bent and raised toward the chest, and right arm bent toward the head for support?

Fowler's

Trendelenburg

Supine

Sim's

Sim's position is commonly used during rectal and certain pelvic exams due to the optimal exposure it provides. The other positions listed do not match the specific details provided in the question.

Explanation

Sim's position is commonly used during rectal and certain pelvic exams due to the optimal exposure it provides. The other positions listed do not match the specific details provided in the question.

8. A patient lies on table face down supporting the body with knees and chest, thighs at 90-degree angle. The head is turned to one side and arms are placed to the side or above the head. This position is commonly used during exams of the anal and perineal areas. What is this position called?

Knee-chest position

Lithotomy position

Supine position

Prone position

The knee-chest position involves the patient supporting their body with knees and chest, while the prone position involves lying face down flat on the table. The supine position involves lying face up on the table, and the lithotomy position involves lying on the back with legs raised and supported in stirrups.

Explanation

The knee-chest position involves the patient supporting their body with knees and chest, while the prone position involves lying face down flat on the table. The supine position involves lying face up on the table, and the lithotomy position involves lying on the back with legs raised and supported in stirrups.

9. What position is a patient in when bent at the hips at a 90-degree angle?

Prone position

Lithotomy position

Supine position

Proctologic position

The proctologic position is commonly used in medical procedures involving the rectal area due to the accessibility it provides. The prone position is lying face down, the supine position is lying face up, and the lithotomy position involves being on the back with legs raised and supported in stirrups.

Explanation

The proctologic position is commonly used in medical procedures involving the rectal area due to the accessibility it provides. The prone position is lying face down, the supine position is lying face up, and the lithotomy position involves being on the back with legs raised and supported in stirrups.