Chapter 10: Surgical Positions

Question 1

Trendelenburg

Answer 1

Patient supine with head lowered (a.k.a. “headdownenburg”—used during placement of a subclavian vein catheter as the veins distend with blood from gravity flow)

Question 2

Reverse Trendelenburg

Answer 2

Patient supine with head elevated (usual position for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to make the intestines fall away from the operative field)

Question 3

What is the best position for a pregnant patient?

Answer 3

Left side down to take gravid uterus off the IVC