North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

In which position is a patient lying on their side?

1. Sims position

2. Dorsyl position

3. Sitting position

4. Supine position

The correct answer is: Sims position

The position in which a patient is lying on their side is known as the Sims position. This is a lateral position where the individual is typically positioned with one leg straight and the other leg bent at both the hip and knee, allowing for easy access to certain areas of the body for procedures or examinations. The Sims position is particularly useful for examinations of the rectum or for delivering medications via the rectal route. This position provides comfort and support while maintaining accessibility for practitioners, making it commonly used in midwifery, nursing, and other medical fields. It’s important to note that lying on one’s side helps facilitate breathing and reduces pressure on certain body structures, further enhancing patient care. The other positions mentioned do not pertain specifically to lying on one's side; thus, they do not accurately describe this posture.