Positioning & Draping Techniques Flashcards

A client with gestational hypertension is receiving a prenatal massage. How should the positioning protocol be modified?

Answer: Avoid elevating the legs above heart level and ensure the head is slightly elevated

Elevating the legs in gestational hypertension can increase venous return and further raise blood pressure, so legs should remain level or slightly dependent with the head slightly raised.

When a bolster system is used to enable prone positioning, how should the therapist verify it is correctly fitted before the client lies down?

Answer: Have the client sit on the table edge and slowly lower onto the bolster to confirm the abdomen hangs freely without contact

Having the client slowly lower onto the bolster and confirm her abdomen hangs free in the cutout is the definitive check that no abdominal compression is occurring.

Which pillow placement addresses the common complaint of hip pain during extended side-lying sessions?

Answer: A pillow wedged under the dependent hip to reduce direct pressure on the greater trochanter

A small wedge or folded towel under the dependent hip reduces direct pressure on the greater trochanter, preventing hip pain during prolonged side-lying.

A third-trimester client cannot tolerate the standard left side-lying position due to left hip pain. What is the BEST alternative?

Answer: Allow right side-lying with a wedge under the right hip to slightly tilt the uterus left and reduce IVC compression

Right side-lying is acceptable when left side-lying is not tolerated, provided a wedge under the right hip offsets the uterus leftward to minimize IVC compression.

What is the PRIMARY purpose of anchoring the bottom edge of the draping sheet under the client's feet during side-lying massage?

Answer: To prevent the sheet from sliding off the table and exposing the client during the session

Tucking the sheet edge under the feet anchors it in place, preventing accidental exposure of the lower body during leg and gluteal work.

During a prenatal massage intake, a client mentions she has been diagnosed with placenta previa. How does this affect positioning decisions?

Answer: Abdominal massage and deep pressure near the lower abdomen are avoided, but standard side-lying positioning can still be used

Placenta previa contraindicates abdominal massage and heavy pressure near the lower uterus, but standard side-lying positioning with appropriate support remains safe.

When a pregnant client needs to get up from the side-lying position at the end of the session, what movement sequence should the therapist instruct?

Answer: Bring the top knee toward the chest, push up to a seated position using the lower arm, then pause before standing

Using the lower arm to push up while keeping the knee flexed protects the abdominal muscles and reduces ligament strain; pausing seated prevents orthostatic hypotension.