Question

A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a physical examination and is helping the patient into the dorsal recumbent position. The assistant should identify that this position is described by which of the following?

A) Lying on the back with knees bent and feet flat on the examination table
B) Lying flat on the stomach with arms extended forward
C) Sitting upright with legs crossed
D) Lying on the side with knees pulled towards the chest

Answer 1

The dorsal recumbent position involves a patient lying on their back with knees bent and feet flat on the table, frequently used during physical examinations.

Step-by-step explanation:

A medical assistant preparing a patient for a physical examination will need to know various positions in which to place a patient. When a patient is asked to get into the dorsal recumbent position, the correct descriptor from the choices given is: A) Lying on the back with knees bent and feet flat on the examination table. This position is useful for different parts of a physical examination, including abdominal assessments or gynecological exams. It is important to note that when describing positions and orientations in medicine, professionals refer to the anatomical position, which is the body standing upright with feet shoulder-width apart, upper limbs to the side, and palms facing forward.