Question

A provider instructs a medical assistant to position a patient for an examination of the patient's dorsal cavity, the assistant should place the patient in which of the following positions?

1) Prone position
2) Supine position
3) Lateral decubitus position
4) Sitting position

Answer 1

For an examination of the patient's dorsal cavity, the medical assistant should place the patient in the prone position, which is a face-down orientation suitable for dorsal assessments.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a medical provider instructs a medical assistant to position a patient for an examination of the patient's dorsal cavity, the assistant should place the patient in the prone position. The prone position describes a face-down orientation, which is necessary when assessing the dorsal cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord. The supine position, where the patient lies face-up, is not appropriate for examinations that focus on the dorsal aspects of the body.