Final answer:
The Mayfield headrest will not be used to position Ms. Tovar for her left nephrectomy. It is primarily used in neurosurgical procedures, not abdominal surgeries such as a nephrectomy. Instead, positioning aids like a kidney elevator, Allen stirrups, or a Wilson frame will likely be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the most appropriate positioning aids for a left nephrectomy, which is surgery to remove a part or all of the left kidney. When considering the positioning aids listed, the Mayfield headrest would not be used for this procedure. The Mayfield headrest is typically used to stabilize the patient's head during neurosurgical procedures. On the other hand, a kidney elevator may be used to enhance exposure of the kidney, the Allen stirrups might be employed to secure the patient's legs in certain positions, and the Wilson frame could assist in positioning the patient's body to give the surgeon better access to the kidney area.
Given the location of the left kidney, at about the T12 to L3 vertebrae, and its proximity to the ribs for protection as described in the external anatomy reference, positioning for surgery must allow the surgeon clear access to this area. The left kidney is also surrounded by a layer of adipose tissue and protected by a fibrous capsule, both of which are relevant when considering incision and retraction during surgery.