Positions and instruments

stethoscope - for auscultation of body sounds

ophthalmoscope - to visually examine the eye

otoscope - to visually examine the ear

nasal speculum - to widen nasal canal opening to examine nose

vaginal speculum - to widen vaginal canal for examination of the vagina

tongue depressor - to hold the tongue down for examination of the mouth

taylor percussion hammer (reflex hammer) - used to test reflexes

tuning fork - used to test hearing

exam gloves - PPE for the hands

tape measure or ruler - to measure parts of the body

laryngeal and pharyngeal mirrors - to help visualize areas within the mouth

head mirror or penlight - a light source when examining the body

glass slides - to hold a specimen for viewing under a microscope

specimen bottles - to collect, store, and transport biological samples

requisition forms - an official document used to request something

sphygmomanometer - used to measure blood pressure

what is the sitting position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

to examine upper body with the gown/cape open in front or back and drape for exposed areas not examined as necessary

what is the supine position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

to examine anterior chest, abdomen, and extremities with the gown/cape open in front and drape for exposed areas not examined as necessary

what is the dorsal recumbent position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

to examine vaginal and rectal area with the gown/cape open in front and drape for exposed areas not examined as necessary

what is the prone position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

to examine dorsal area with the gown/cape open in back and drape for exposed areas and long enough to cover mid-back and knees

what is the sims’ position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

to examine and treat rectal area, and perineal and some pelvic examinations with the gown/cape open in back and drape for exposed areas and long enough to cover mid-back and knees

what is the lithotomy position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

for female exams like a pelvic exam, pap smear collection, and well woman exam with the gown/cape open in front and drape covering lower half and breast area as needed

what is the fowler’s position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

to examine the head, neck, and chest with the gown/cape open in front or back and drape for exposed areas as needed

what is the semi-fowler’s position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

to examine the heart and chest or for comfort/head trauma with the gown/cape open in front or back and drape for exposed areas as needed

what is trendelenburg used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

used in severe low blood pressure and shock to move blood back to the major organs (consult physician first) with the cape/drape open in front and drape covering underarms to knees, don’t cover head neck or hands

what is the knee-chest position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

used for rectal and sigmoid colon exams that is embarrassing, uncomfortable, and must be supported and near patient at all times with gown/cape open in back and drape long enough to cover exposed areas

what is the jackknife position used for? how is the gown/cape and drape?

useful for surgeries related to the rectum, anus, and coccyx with exams and treatment of rectal and anal conditions like hemorrhoid, and the gown/cape open in the back and drape covering mid-back to the knees