Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Procedures, Examinations and DiagnosticsMedium
A physician orders a rectal examination requiring the patient to kneel on the table with the chest and shoulders down and buttocks raised. Which position is the medical assistant preparing?
- ALithotomy position
- BSims' position
- CKnee-chest position
- DTrendelenburg position
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Knee-chest position
The knee-chest position involves the patient kneeling with the chest and shoulders resting on the table and the buttocks elevated, commonly used for rectal, proctologic, or sigmoidoscopy exams. Lithotomy is used for pelvic exams, Sims' for lateral rectal exams, and Trendelenburg for shock treatment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lithotomy is used for pelvic/vaginal exams with feet in stirrups, not kneeling.
- B. Sims' position is side-lying, not kneeling.
- D. Trendelenburg tilts the whole body with head down, used for shock, not rectal exams.
Knee-Chest Position
Patient kneels with chest and shoulders down on the table and hips raised, used for rectal and sigmoidoscopy exams.
- Buttocks elevated, knees and chest support weight
- Often uncomfortable; used briefly
- Common for proctologic exams
Memory trick: 'Kneel to peek' — knee-chest position for rectal peeking exams