Question

In putting a patient into the lithotomy position for examination, how should they be positioned?

A) Standing upright
B) Lying face down
C) Lying on the back with legs elevated and spread apart
D) Sitting on a chair

Answer 1

A patient is positioned in the lithotomy position by lying on their back, with legs supported and apart by stirrups, during pelvic examinations like a Pap smear.

Step-by-step explanation:

To position a patient in the lithotomy position for an examination, such as a Pap smear, they should not be sitting on a chair. Instead, the correct way to position them involves the patient lying on their back on the examining table, which is referred to as the supine position. The patients' feet are placed in supports, often called "stirrups," which hold their legs up and apart. This positioning gives the health care provider ideal access to the pelvic organs for examination or procedures.

During the Pap smear procedure specifically, a speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow access to the cervix, from where cells can be collected for testing. It's important to have a relaxed posture, maintaining proper alignment of the patient's center of gravity to avoid strain. Following the procedure, patients may experience mild side effects, though these are typically minor.