Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

In which position is the resident placed for examination of the breasts, chest, and abdomen?

1. Knee-chest position.

2. Lithotomy position.

3. Dorsal recumbent position.

4. Trendelenburg position.

The correct answer is: Dorsal recumbent position.

The correct position for examining the breasts, chest, and abdomen is the dorsal recumbent position. This position involves the resident lying on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the bed. It allows for optimal exposure and access to the chest and abdomen while maintaining the resident's comfort and dignity. The bent knees can help relax the abdominal muscles, facilitating a thorough examination. In contrast, the knee-chest position is used primarily for examinations involving the rectum and pelvic organs, especially in gynecological procedures, which does not make it suitable for examining the breasts and chest. The lithotomy position, which involves the resident lying on their back with legs raised and spread, is typically used for gynecological examinations as well, but is not appropriate for a comprehensive chest and abdomen exam. Finally, the Trendelenburg position is mainly used in emergencies to treat shock, as it involves positioning the resident supine with the legs elevated, which could hinder the access needed for a proper chest and abdomen examination.