| A | B |
|---|
| Lateral | Toward the side of the body. |
| Anterior | Toward the front of the body (ventral). |
| Posterior | Toward the back of the body (dorsal). |
| Recumbent | Lying down. |
| Supine | Lying down on the back (posterior recumbent position). |
| Prone | Lying face down (anterior recumbent position). |
| Lateral Recumbent | Lying down on the (R) or (L) side. |
| Dorsal Recumbent | Supine with the knees bent but face up. |
| Prone Position | Bed flat, person on abdomen. |
| Sim’s Position | Person almost prone, but slightly elevated on side. Often used for rectal exams or enemas. Lower leg is kept straight Upper leg is bent to provide for best access to buttocks. |
| Trendelenburg Position | Bed/table is straight or bent at patient’s midline, patient’s head is below the level of the feet used for postural drainage or to prevent shock. |
| Reverse Trendelenberg Position | Bed is straight, feet are lower than head. Used for head injuries, to reduce blood flow and pressure to the brain. |
| Fowler’s Position | Is used for feeding patient's in bed, for certain treatments and procedures, for the patient's comfort while visiting or watching television, and for those who have trouble breathing. Head of bed (HOB) @ 30-45 degrees. |
| High Fowler’s | Head of bed is 45 degrees or higher. |
| Semi-Fowler’s | Head of bed is 30 - 45 degrees. |
| Sitting Position | Patients should be positioned in a comfortable, well-constructed chair, so that the head and the spine are erect. The back and buttocks should be up against the chair back. |
| Knee Chest Position | On knees, head and upper chest on table, arms crossed above head, would be used for examination of hemorrhoids. |
| Lithotomy Position | On back, legs flexed on abdomen, thighs apart, used for pelvic exams. |
| Anatomic Position | Erect, face forward, feet together, arms at sides with palms forward. |
