 Positioning - technique of placing the patient
safely, comfortable, and effectively in
preparation for any procedure
 Draping - manner of arranging the covering in
order to expose the part being examined
1. To assist the patient to assume a position that
would best afford adequate examination of the
part
2. To provide safety, comfort, and privacy during
examination
1. This method of draping vary with condition of
the patient, the position of the patient, the
examination to be done, and the room
temperature.
2. The draping should be loose enough to allow
quick change of position
3. Draping should consider the patient's individual
make-up
4. Positioning depends upon the condition of the
patient and the part to be examined.
A. Equipment
 Bring to the bedside a draping sheet
B. Patient and Unit
1. Explain the procedure to the patient
2. Adjust the height of the bed or the table
A. Erect (Standing or Upright)
1. Assist the patient to stand with either
slippers on or with bare feet on a piece of
paper
 Rationale: Erect position facilitates
examination. Slippers or the paper
placed under the feet protects them
from dirt.
2. Anti the gown and live the uppermost tape.
Fold back the gown over both shoulder
towards the front.
 Rationale: Such procedure facilitates
examination of the body contours.
3. Place the double folded sheets around the
body, passing it under the axillae. Leave one
side open and secure it in place with a
safety pin.
 Rationale: This provides convenience
and privacy during the examination
B. Horizontal Recumbent (Dorsal or Supine)
1. Replace the top sheet with a draping sheet.
(The top sheet may be used in advance of a
draping sheet). Cover the patient from the
shoulders to the foot part with a sheet
hanging loose at the sides.
 Rationale: This provide privacy and
facilitates changes of position
2. Assist the patient to lie flat on his/her back
with legs together, extended or slightly
flexed.
 Rationale: This afford better muscle
relaxation
3. Place on pillow under the head and a
smaller one may be place under the knees.
  Rationale: This gives comfort and
prevent hyper extension of the knees.
4. Place the arms along the sides of the body
or comfortably flexed on the sides.
 Rationale: This provides comfort and
prevents interference during the
examination of the lower extremities
especially when the arms are flexed.
C. Dorsal Recumbent
1. Replace the top sheet with the draping
sheet
 Rationale: The dorsal recumbent
position is indicated for examination of
the abdomen, the pelvic, and perineal
areas.
 The use of draping sheets keep the top
sheet clean and wrinkle-free
2. Assist the patient to lie flat on his/her back
 Rationale: This position is also used to
perform perineal care and treatment
3. Separate the legs and flex the knees so that
the soles of the feet are flat on the bed.
Place the arms either above the head or
flexed with the hands on the chest.
 Rationale: Flexion of the knees relaxes
the abdominal muscles.
4. Place one pillow under the head
 Rationale: This is done for comfort.
5. Bring the patient to the edge of the bed
 Rationale: Working close to the patient
prevents overstraining of the back
muscles.
6. Place the draping sheet diagonally on the
patient so that the opposite corners cover
the legs. Fold back the top corner over the
chest.
 Rationale: Folding back the top corner
over the chest prevents inconvenience
and smothering of the patient.
7. Wrap the corner on the right side around
the right foot. Do the same with the left
side.
 Rationale: This prevents exposure of the
lower extremities and holds the drape
in place.
8. Fold the lower corner of the sheet back on
the abdomen to expose the part to be
examined when the doctor is ready to do so.
 Rationale: Having the lower corner of
the sheet loose facilitates exposure of
the part to be examined when the
doctor arrives.
D. Dorsal Lithotomy
1. Assist the patient to lie on his back
 Rationale: Dorsal lithotomy position is
for examination of the abdomen, pelvic,
and perineal area.
2. Insert legging or stockinette PRN
 Rationale: Stockinettes provide warmth
and cover for the legs; protects the skin
from irritation
3. Adjust the stirrups according to the size of
the patient
 Rationale: Properly adjusted stirrups
prevents injury and discomfort
4. Separate the legs and flex the thighs deeply
towards the abdomen. Elevate the lower
legs and support them with the stirrups.
 Rationale: Such a position allows good
exposure of the vulva
5. Drawn down the buttocks to the folding
edge of the table
 Rationale: This facilitates the insertion
of instrument.
6. Raise the arms above the head or flex them
with the hands on the chest
 Rationale: This provides comfort and
prevents interference during the
examination of the lower extremities
especially when the arms are flexed.
7. Drape as in dorsal recumbent. Preferably,
use the lithotomy drape.
E. Sims (Lateral)
 1. Assist the patient to lie on either side,
preferably the left, with the body inclined
inward.
 Rationale: For rectal or colon
procedures
2. Extend the left arm behind the back and flex
the elbow of the right arm forward.
 Rationale: This position provides
comfort and prevents injury
3. Flex the right thigh towards the abdomen
with the knee drawn up higher than the left
knee which is only slightly flexed.
 Rationale: This facilitates the separation
of the buttocks thereby allowing better
exposure of the anus.
4. Lay out the draping sheet as in horizontal
recumbent position. Fold back and or
gather a side of the sheet to expose the
area to be examined
 Rationale: Proper draping provides
comfort and privacy
F. Prone
1. Help the patient to assume the horizontal
recumbent position
 Rationale: This is preparatory to the
desired position
2. Assist him to turn over onto his abdomen
 Rationale: This is for back and spiral
examination and procedures
3. Turn the head to one side.
 Rationale: This is done for comfort,
convenience, and prevent smothering.
4. Place the arms at the sides or flex or
extended upwards
 Rationale: This provides comfort and
prevents interference during the
examination of the lower extremities
especially when the arms are flexed.
5. Allow the feet to hang over the edge of the
mattress or support them on a pillow high
enough to keep the toes from touching the
bed
 Rationale: This prevents plantar flexion
6. Drape as in dorsal position
 Rationale: Proper draping provides
comfort and privacy
G. Fowlers
1. Place the patient in a horizontal recumbent
position
2. Elevate the head of the bed to
approximately 45 angle
 Rationale: This is to provide comfort
and facilitates various procedures
3. Flex the knees slightly and support them
with knee roll.
 Rationale: Flexion prevents
hypertension of the knees and prevents
slipping from the bed.
4. Drape as in dorsal horizontal
 Rationale: Proper draping provides
comfort and privacy
H. Trendelenburg Position
1. Assist the patient in a horizontal recumbent
position
 Rationals: Trendelenburg position is
done for certain types of shock, surgical
procedures, and postural drainage.
2. Elevate the foot of the bed so that the
lower trunk is higher than the head and
shoulders
3. Support the shoulders and knee
 Rationale: The weight of the body is
pulled downwards by gravity. Support
will prevent the patient from slipping
out of the bed.
4. Drape as in horizontal recumbent
 Rationale: Proper draping provides
comfort and privacy
I. Knee Chest ( Genupectoral)
1. Place the patient in a prone position
 Rationale: This is preparatory for
assuming the desired position
2. Assist him to kneel with the knees slightly
separates
3. Bend forward so that the chest is resting on
the bed and the thighs are perpendicular to
the legs
 Rationale: This is for rectal and vaginal
examinations and as a form of exercise
for same gynecologist conditions.
4. Turn the head to one side and place the
arms either above the head or flexed at the
elbow and rest along the side of the head
 Rationale: This is for support,
convenience, and prevention from
smothering
5. Drape the patient properly so that only the
area to be examined is exposed.
 Rationale: Proper draping provides
comfort and privacy