Surgical Positions

Question 1

What is the supine position?

Answer 1

Patient lying flat, face up

Question 2

What is the prone position?

Answer 2

Patient lying flat, face down

Question 3

What is the left lateral decubitus position?

Answer 3

Patient lying down on his left side

Question 4

What is the right lateral decubitus position?

Answer 4

Patient lying down on his right side

Question 5

What is the lithotomy position?

Answer 5

Patient lying supine with legs spread

Question 6

What is the Trendelenburg position?

Answer 6

Patient supine with head lowered.

Used during placement of a subclavian vein catheter as the veins distend with blood from gravity flow.

Question 7

What is the reverse Trendelenburg position?

Answer 7

Patient supine with head elevated.

Usual position for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to make the intestines fall away from the operative field.

Question 8

What is the best position for a pregnant woman?

Answer 8

Left side down to take gravid uterus off of the IVC