CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

In which position is the patient's head lowered below the feet?

1. Fowler's

2. Supine

3. Prone

4. Trendelenburg

The correct answer is: Trendelenburg

The correct position where the patient's head is lowered below the feet is known as the Trendelenburg position. This positioning technique is often used in emergency settings to promote venous return to the heart in cases of shock or to facilitate pelvic surgery. When a patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position, gravity aids in the flow of blood from the extremities back towards the central circulation, which can be beneficial in managing certain medical conditions. In this posture, the patient lies flat on their back with their legs elevated higher than their head, creating an incline. This distinctive arrangement contrasts sharply with other body positions mentioned. For instance, Fowler's position involves the patient being seated with the upper body elevated, while supine refers to lying flat on the back without any incline. Prone involves the patient lying on their stomach. None of these positions involves the head being positioned lower than the feet, which is the defining characteristic of Trendelenburg.