Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Procedures, Examinations and DiagnosticsEasy
A physician needs to examine a patient's back for suspected spinal abnormalities. Which position should the medical assistant help the patient assume?
- ASims' position, lying on the left side with knees bent
- BProne position, lying face down with arms at the sides
- CFowler's position, sitting upright at 90 degrees
- DSupine position, lying flat on the back
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Prone position, lying face down with arms at the sides
The prone position, with the patient lying face down, allows full visualization and palpation of the back and spine. Supine and Fowler's positions expose the anterior body, and Sims' position is used for rectal exams, not spinal exams.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sims' position is used for rectal or vaginal exams, not spinal exams.
- C. Fowler's position is used for upper body/respiratory exams, not back exams.
- D. Supine exposes the front of the body, not appropriate for back exams.
Prone Position
Patient lies face down, often with arms at sides or above the head, used to examine the back, spine, or buttocks.
- Face down, flat on abdomen
- Used for back, spine, and some minor procedures
- Opposite of supine position
Memory trick: 'Prone to fall on your face' = face-down position for the back