Skills Hub
clinical-patient-care
Patient Positioning for Examination
Always tested on the CCMA
Position the patient for the required examination.
About this skill
Patient positioning for the six standard positions used in clinical examination (Fowler's, supine, prone, Sims', lithotomy, Trendelenburg), with attention to safety, dignity, and patient comfort.
12 total steps
7 critical steps
Time limit: 3 min
What graders are watching for
- 1Lithotomy position is used for pelvic exams and Pap smears
- 2Trendelenburg is reserved for shock or central venous access
- 3Always explain the position change before moving the patient
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- !Leaving the patient uncovered during positioning
- !Trendelenburg on patients with respiratory compromise
- !Not locking the table or bed wheels
Practice this skill step-by-step
The static walkthrough above is the marketing overview. The full step-by-step interactive practice (with critical-step highlighting, per-step "why this matters" rationale, and what graders watch for on each individual step) is unlocked with a subscription.
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