Question

For an examination and inspection of the spine, which of the following positions best describes how the medical assistant will place the patient on the examination table?

A. Prone
B. Knee-chest
C. Dorsal recumbent
D. Lithotomy

Answer 1

The medical assistant will place the patient in the prone position for a spine examination, as this allows for optimal visibility and access to the vertebral column.

Step-by-step explanation:

When conducting an examination and inspection of the spine, the medical assistant typically places the patient in the prone position on the examination table. This means the patient will lie face down, with their upper and lower limbs touching the sides of their body. This position is conducive to examining the vertebral alignment and is used to check for spinal abnormalities such as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis.

In contrast, the other positions listed, such as the knee-chest, dorsal recumbent, and lithotomy, do not offer the same visibility or accessibility to the spine for a thorough examination or inspection. Therefore, for spinal examination, the prone position is the most appropriate choice.