Surgical Positioning and Draping Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of surgical positioning?

Answer: To provide optimal access to the surgical site while protecting the patient

Surgical positioning provides optimal exposure of the operative site while protecting the patient from injury such as nerve damage and pressure sores.

Which surgical position places the patient flat on their back?

Answer: Supine

The supine (dorsal recumbent) position has the patient lying flat on their back and is the most common surgical position used.

In the lithotomy position, the patient's legs are placed in stirrups primarily to expose which surgical area?

Answer: Perineum and lower abdomen

The lithotomy position provides access to the perineal and lower abdominal areas and is commonly used for gynecological, urological, and colorectal procedures.

Which nerve is most at risk for compression injury in the lithotomy position due to prolonged hip flexion and external rotation?

Answer: Common peroneal nerve

The common peroneal nerve, which wraps superficially around the fibular head, is highly susceptible to compression when the legs are in stirrups.

The Trendelenburg position is characterized by which table tilt?

Answer: Head lowered and feet elevated

In the Trendelenburg position, the table is tilted so the head is lower than the feet, shifting abdominal organs cephalad to improve pelvic access.

What is the most important goal when padding bony prominences during surgical positioning?

Answer: Preventing pressure injuries and nerve compression

Adequate padding of bony prominences prevents pressure injuries and nerve compression, which can cause significant postoperative morbidity.

The beach chair (semi-sitting) position is most commonly used for which type of surgical procedure?

Answer: Shoulder arthroscopy and open shoulder surgery

The beach chair position provides excellent access to the shoulder joint and is the preferred position for shoulder arthroscopy and many open shoulder procedures.