Positions for Examination

Head of bed up 45 to 60 degrees

Head of bed up at about 30 degrees

Patient on his side with spine in good alignment and parallel to the edge of the mattress with head, neck and upper arm supported in good anatomical position and supported by pillows with a pillow at the back for support (side-lying)

Proned at 45 degrees to left or right side with lowest leg extended and uppermost leg flexed at 45 to 90 degrees (Also called semiprone or forward side-lying)

Lying on abdomen with head turned to one side

(Also known as decubitus) back-lying position with legs slightly abducted

Back-lying position with hips and knees bent and feet in stirrups (or legs bent so that the thighs are flexed backward onto the abdomen, lower legs are resting on the upper thighs and the thighs are abducted) [used for gynecological exams and procedures]

(also called modified lithotomy) - patient lying flat on his back with knees flexed

Bed flat with head of bed below the level of the heart

Bed flat with foot of bed below the level of the heart