Final answer:
The lithotomy position is ideal for pelvic examinations, which includes the patient lying on her back with hips and knees flexed and feet in stirrups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The female patient should ideally be in the lithotomy position for the pelvic examination. This position is suitable for pelvic examinations, as it allows the health care provider to have a clear view and access to the pelvic organs. The lithotomy position involves the patient lying on her back (supine) with her hips and knees flexed, thighs apart, and feet supported by stirrups. It is different from the prone position, where the patient would be lying face down, and the supine position where the patient lies face up without the specific positioning of the legs, which is not conducive for a pelvic exam.
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