Posted on July 19, 2012 · Leave a Comment

You may have heard of the term recumbent position when visiting the clinic or the hospital but you have no idea what it really is. Different positions are used by health professionals like doctors and nurses to facilitate procedures and other medical examinations. As a regular individual you also have to be aware of these positions so that you will have an idea about the medical care that is being rendered to you.

Recumbent Position Definition

The recumbent position is derived from the Latin words “re” meaning to lie back and “cubere” which means to lie down. Other name for this anatomical position is decubitus position. So, when you heard of this position it simply means reclining or lying down.

So, if you will assume the recumbent position all you have to do is to lie down on your back and stay flat. But then, there are many variations of the recumbent position and these are the following:

Lateral recumbent position- This position can be assumed by lying on your side which is typically done when you are to undergo vaginal examination.

Dorsal recumbent position- This position is assumed when you lie on your back with your legs are bent outwards. This position can be used for vaginal examinations and other obstetrical procedures.
Semi recumbent position- This position is assumed when you lie down halfway like you are assuming a back rest.

Recumbent Position Nursing – Different Purposes

The recumbent position is a widely used position in clinics, hospitals and related settings. This is due to the fact that this position gives the best view of the rest of the body during examinations. At the same time, it is also one of the most convenient position that a patient can assume without having to feel strain.

Basically, the recumbent position is used when performing general examination. So, if you are to undergo general physical examinations you will be asked to lie down on your back so that the examiner can examine your head, neck, chest, abdomen and extremities. This is the most convenient position that gives access to your major body parts that need be examined. Lying on your back also makes you feel relaxed while the examination is going on.

Apart from general examination, the recumbent position is also preferred when performing abdominal surgeries. Since you are lying on your back, the medical surgeons can have full access to the organs that are located in your abdominal area such as your intestines, liver and gall bladder. So, all patients undergoing abdominal surgeries are placed on the operating table flat on back and the legs are extended or a little bit flexed.

Although the recumbent position is widely used in abdominal surgeries it can also be the position of choice for surgeries involving the extremities and the head. Surgeons prefer to place patients on this position during brain surgeries as this is the best position to lessen the pressure to the brain. Hence, this position serves many purposes and can be used for a lot of medical procedures.

Posted on July 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Health care providers place their clients in various anatomical positions in order to facilitate medical and nursing treatments and proper examinations. One of the positions in use is the Dorsal Recumbent Position. This position is one of the most preferred positions while performing physical examination and other procedures so you need to have a clear idea about the dorsal recumbent position for your references.

Dorsal Recumbent (Position) Definition

In essence, dorsal literally means “back” while the term recumbent refers to “lying down”. If you will translate the meanings the dorsal recumbent position actually means lying down on your back. This may be almost similar to the recumbent position but with some variations.

In this type of position you are actually lying flat on your back but with your knees bent and your legs widely separated while your feet remain flat. The dorsal recumbent position pictures may be a little bit revealing and embarrassing compared to other positions, but you will be draped to promote much privacy during any examination or procedure.

When To Assume Dorsal Recumbent?

The dorsal recumbent position can be used for many purposes but the most common application of this position is for physical examination and nursing purposes. Basically, this position lets your healthcare provider examine your vital body parts like your head, chest, neck, and abdomen since you are lying on your back flat on the table.

Also, this position is most preferred when performing examinations involving private body parts like the genitals, buttocks, and the rectum. Hence, high degree of privacy must be employed if you are into this kind of position during medical examination or procedures.

The dorsal recumbent position is also being used for clients that are suffering from abdominal problems, back pain difficulty assuming other anatomical positions.

Also, the dorsal recumbent position is the most comfortable position when you are performing procedures like urinary catheter insertion for the purpose of draining your urine. It is also advisable to assume this position if you will undergo insertion of contraceptive devices like IUD.

How To Undergo Dorsal Recumbent Properly?

The dorsal recumbent position is one of the variations of the recumbent positions where you are actually placed lying on your back horizontally. As a patient, you need to know how to do it properly with the assistance of your healthcare provider.

To assume the position you need to lie down on your back with the help of health care professionals if you are having difficulty. Typically, you will have pillows placed on your head for more comfort. Once you are lying on your back comfortably, you need to flex your knees and spread your legs to fully assume the dorsal recumbent position.

For more safety once already in the dorsal recumbent position your health care provider may place soft pads under your knees and footboards at the bottom of the bed prevent you from dropping your feet.

Your arms are actually placed on the side and you will be carefully watched for and assisted all throughout the procedure for more safety and assurance.