POSITIONS FOR EXAMINATION

Once you have completed the materials, you will be able to give instructions on
positioning a patient.

Language function : Explaining an intervention and giving instructions

Language focus : Imperative form (exp: lie flat on your back)
I just want to .../ I want you to .../ I need to/let me ... + V1

Nursing Note 1
There are three basic positions for the patient: supine, side-lying, prone. This material will
only give some basic positions and few variations focusing on the communication along with
the positioning.

Vocabulary
Alignment (n) /əˈ laɪ n.mənt/ penempatan pada posisi yang benar
/əˈ kʌm.plɪʃ/
Accomplish (v) memenuhi
/ˈ saɪ d.weɪ z/
Sideways (adv, adj) miring
/liː n/
Lean (n,v) tegak lurus
/ˈ ʌp.raɪt/
Up-right /ˈ daʊn.wəd/ condong/ miring

Downwards (adv) menghadap ke bawah

/ˈ fɔː .wəd/
Forward (adj) /ˈ el.ɪ .veɪ t/ ke arah depan
/ˈ ləʊ.ə r /
Elevate (v) menaikkan, meninggikan

Lower (adj, v) menurunkan

Decubitus (adj) keadaan kulit yang luka karena tekanan/

/ˈ tʌm.i/ posisi yang tidak berubah

daerah perut (khususnya berbicara dengan

Tummy (n) anak)
USEFUL EXPRESSION
1. Basic instructions
a. Lie flat on your back (terlentang)
b. Up-right bed position
c. Roll over on your tummy
Lie on your face
Lie flat with face downwards
d. Roll over into side-lying
Role over sideways

2. Patient positioning
a. Supine (terlentang)
 Now, lie flat in your bed with
supine position.
 I need to put/ to place this
pillow/ towel under your ...

b. Semi fowler’s position

 Now, I want/ need to elevate/ lower the head of your bed.
(with head of bed 300 - 600 )

c. Fowler’s position
(with head of bed 600 - 900 )
 Now, I want/ need to elevate/ lower the
head of your bed to make you more
comfortable.

d. Side lying/ sideways (miring)

 Now, I want you to roll your body into side-lying
 Would you...
 I need to help you change your position/ roll your self
 e. Sim’s position
Patient in complete side-lying position, but more further to the far side of the bed.
Partially roll patient forward partly on abdomen.

 Just extend your left knee

 Now I need to put/ place this (pillow)
under your left knee.

f. Prone position
 I need to help you
 Let me help you
 I want you to change your position
with face downwards
 I want you to change your position
to lie on your tummy
 I will put/ place this pillow under your stomach
 Just extend your right elbow
 Place your left hand under your hip
 That’s fine

Task 1
Write a complete sentence using the word(s) in the brackets.
1. (extend) .......................................................

2. (place – pillow – head) ..................................

3. (side – lying – edge of bed) ...........................

4. (change – prone – to side – lying) .................

Task 2
Give the right expressions.
1. Perintahkan pasien anda untuk berbaring di tempat tidur.
.........................................................................................
2. Dalam posisi tidur. Perintahkan pasien anda untuk bergeser ke pinggir tempat
tidur.
Would you mind to change your position into the edge of your bed.
.........................................................................................................................
3. Beritahukan kepada pasien anda bahwa anda perlu memindahkan posisinya
dari miring ke terlungkap.
........................................................................................................................
4. Beritahukan pasien bahwa anda perlu mengganti sprei. Beritahukan kepada
pasien anda untuk berpindah dari posisi terlentang ke posisi miring, ke samping
tempat tidur.
.........................................................................................................................

Task 3
Complete the following medical intervention using the words available below. Change
then into the correct forms when necessary.

To be – to meet – to find – to take – to help – to move – left side – to put – to wipe – to

feel – to wait – to give – still – this – to bend

Taking the spinal fluid (lumbar puncture)

Doctor : Now I ................... (1) going to take some fluid from your back ..... (2) out what
......... (3) giving you ............... (4) headache. The nurse will ............. (5) me. Now I want you
.............. (6) right to the edge of the bed. That’s it. Right. Lie on your ............ (7). Now can
you ......... (8) both your knees up as far as they’ll go?

That’s great. I’ll just ........ (9) a pillow between your knees to keep you confortable. There
you go. (Put) your head right down (to meet) your knees. Curl up. Now I’ ...... (10) going .....
(11) your back with some antiseptic. You’ll ............ (12) a bit cold, I’m afraid. Now I’m
going to (give0 you local anaesthetic so it won’t be sore. You’ll feel a slight jab. OK? There.
We’ll (wait) for a few minutes for that .............. (13) effect. Right now, lie .............. (14) that
............ (15) very important.

Task 4
Give instruction to your patient to be in the positions as described in the pictures below.

Task 5
Study this conversation.
Nurse : Good morning Mr. Stanford. How are you?
Patient : Good morning, Nurse. Not very well. I’m afraid.
Nurse : Mr. Stanford. You will have some tests done to find out exactly what’s
causing your problem.
Patient : What kind of test do I need?
Nurse : It is a complete blood count. Now I need to take your blood sample.
(the nurse takes the blood sample)
Patient : Any other test?
Nurse : Yes. You will have a barium meal (pemeriksaan radiologis lambung). I
will assist you in taking it.
Patient : So what should I do?
Nurse : Well. Let me explain the procedure. This test is to help you get a
picture of the inside of your gullet (kerongkongan) and your
stomach so that we can find out what’s causing you these pains there.
You will drink a liquid and the doctor will take picture.
Doctor : OK, Mr. Standford, Now I need to elevate the head of your bed. Now
I’d like you to drink the liquid and I’ll be taking pictures of it as it goes
down. That’s fine.
Patient : Thank you, Doc.
Pronouciation Drill

Lie
Lean
backward
forward
downwards
sideways
Change
Extend
Supine

Change

Blood

Procedure

Picture

Stomach

excuse
Pair work

Position in bed. Ask your partner.

Nurse: Good morning Mr. Saepul. How are you today?

Patient: Good morning, Nurse. Not too good. I fear.
Nurse: Mr. Saepul. You will have some tests done to find out exactly what is
causing your problem.
Patient: nurses, What kinds of tests are needed?
Nurse: This is a complete blood count test. Now I need to take a sample of your
blood.
Patients: to what my blood is it?
Nurse: Well. Let me explain the procedure. so here is my father drew blood to
check blood sugar.
Patient: So what should I do?
nurse: OK, Mr. Saepul, now I need to elevate the head of your bed. Please
cooperate.
Patient: Thank you, nurse.