The nurse is performing a physical assessment of a male client. The nurse must assess the client's sacrococcygeal area. Which of the following positions will allow the nurse to assess this area adequately?

Question

1. Orthopneic position
2. Semi-Fowler's position
3. Lithotomy
4. On his left side with his knees drawn up

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Orthopneic position is utilized by clients who are unable to breathe with the head of bed lower. Orthopneic position allows the client to sit up straight and use a tripod position to lean over a bedside table.
Rationale 2: The semi-Fowler's position is when the client is positioned on his back in a dorsal recumbent position.
Rationale 3: The nurse can use a lithotomy position to perform a pelvic examination on a female client.
Rationale 4: The nurse can visualize the sacrococcygeal area by asking the client to bend over a table at the waist or to lie on the left side with the knees flexed.