Positioning & Draping Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real PMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Positioning & Draping Techniques flashcards as text
When a pregnant client is positioned in the lateral recumbent (side-lying) position, which body part should be supported with a pillow FIRST to maintain spinal alignment?
Answer: The top knee and hip
Supporting the top knee and hip with a pillow prevents the pelvis from rotating forward and maintains neutral spinal alignment.
A client at 30 weeks gestation reports dizziness and nausea after being repositioned to a semi-reclined position. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Supine hypotensive syndrome from partial aortic compression
Even a semi-reclined position can compress the aorta and inferior vena cava in late pregnancy, reducing cardiac output and causing supine hypotensive syndrome.
Which draping material is generally LEAST appropriate for prenatal massage clients who frequently experience temperature sensitivity?
Answer: Polyester microfiber sheets
Polyester microfiber is less breathable and can trap heat, making it uncomfortable for clients experiencing pregnancy-related heat sensitivity.
During a side-lying massage, the therapist wants to work on the client's upper trapezius. What draping adjustment is most appropriate?
Answer: Fold the sheet down to expose only the shoulder and upper back while keeping the rest covered
Folding the sheet to expose only the targeted area maintains modesty while providing the therapist adequate access to the upper trapezius.
What is the primary reason prenatal bolster systems use an open center or cutout design for the abdominal area?
Answer: To allow the abdomen to hang freely without compression
The cutout design suspends the abdomen in free space, eliminating any direct pressure on the uterus while allowing a prone-like position.
A therapist is preparing a side-lying position for a third-trimester client. How many support pillows are minimally recommended for a complete setup?
Answer: Four or more pillows — head, belly, between knees, and under top arm
A thorough third-trimester side-lying setup typically requires at least four pillows to support the head, stabilize the growing belly, separate the knees, and support the top arm.
When using a full-body pregnancy pillow as a positioning aid, what is the MOST important safety check before the client lies down?
Answer: Ensure the pillow is positioned on a table with adequate width to prevent falls
Table width safety is critical because a full-body pillow can shift the client toward the table edge, creating a fall risk on standard massage tables.