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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Feet in stirrups position: which one is used in the OR? Quiz

Quick, free surgical positioning quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Catrice AlleyneUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a quiz on surgical table positions

This quiz helps you identify the feet in stirrups position (lithotomy) and other common OR positions. Work through 15 multiple-choice questions to check your knowledge of surgical table setup and basic precautions. For more practice, try the operating room quiz and the ob gyn surgical instruments quiz.

Which basic surgical table position is most commonly used for a standard abdominal procedure?
Lateral
Supine
Lithotomy
Prone
The supine position, with the patient lying flat on their back, is the standard position for most abdominal surgeries. It provides optimal access to anterior abdominal structures. Other positions are used for specialized access.
What positioning accessory is typically placed under the patient's knees in the supine position to reduce lumbar strain?
Knee roll
Chest roll
Footboard
Headrest
A knee roll supports slight flexion of the knees, reducing lumbar lordosis and strain on the lower back. Headrests and chest rolls serve different support needs. Footboards prevent sliding, not lumbar strain.
Which position requires the patient's legs to be elevated and placed in stirrups?
Prone
Lithotomy
Trendelenburg
Fowler's
In the lithotomy position, the patient's hips and knees are flexed and the legs are supported in stirrups. This position is common for gynecological and urological procedures. The other positions do not involve stirrups.
In the prone position, which measure is essential to protect the patient's eyes?
Place a flat towel under the head
Position the head turned to one side
Elevate the head with a pillow
Use a padded headrest
A padded headrest with cutouts or specialized padding prevents ocular pressure and protects the eyes in prone. Towels or pillows may exert uneven pressure. Head turn can risk cervical strain and eye pressure.
Which accessory is used to elevate the pelvis and prevent abdominal compression in the prone position?
Chest rolls
Thoracic bolsters
Knee roll
Abductor pillow
Thoracic bolsters (or chest rolls) are placed under the chest and pelvis to allow abdominal free-hanging, reducing pressure on organs and improving ventilation. Knee rolls and abductor pillows serve other roles.
For a flank approach to kidney surgery, which surgical table position is most appropriate?
Lateral decubitus
Prone
Supine
Trendelenburg
The lateral decubitus position elevates the flank side and exposes the kidney area directly. Supine or Trendelenburg do not provide flank access, and prone does not allow true lateral exposure.
Which ergonomic principle should guide the operating table height for the surgeon?
At shoulder level to minimize bending
At eye level for best visibility
At the surgeon's elbow level when hands are extended
At waist level when standing upright
Setting the table at elbow level allows the surgeon to work with minimal shoulder or back strain. Waist, shoulder, or eye levels can cause awkward postures and increased musculoskeletal risk.
What is the most likely complication from improper head support in the lateral position?
Foot drop
Brachial plexus injury
Facial pressure injury
Popliteal vein thrombosis
Incorrect head support in lateral can lead to facial pressure ulcers and nerve compression. Brachial plexus injury relates more to arm positioning. Foot drop and popliteal vein issues are lower limb concerns.
Which safety measure is essential when the table is in Trendelenburg position?
Remove all side rails to prevent obstruction
Apply a well-fitted safety belt across the thighs
Loosen all straps to improve comfort
Elevate the head end slightly above feet
A safety belt across the thighs prevents the patient from sliding towards the head during Trendelenburg. Raising the head contradicts the position. Side rails should be up and straps snug for security.
What is the primary function of a kidney bridge on a surgical table?
Provide lumbar extension in supine for retroperitoneal access
Elevate the thorax in prone cases
Secure the legs in lithotomy
Create downward pressure on kidneys
A kidney bridge elevates the lumbar region in supine, increasing space for retroperitoneal or kidney exposure. It is not used for thorax elevation or leg support.
Which tilt reduces the risk of patient sliding off the table?
Flat supine
Lateral tilt
Reverse Trendelenburg
Steep Trendelenburg
Reverse Trendelenburg inclines the table so the head is elevated and feet lower, using gravity to keep the patient in place. Trendelenburg increases sliding risk toward the head end.
During lithotomy position, prolonged hip flexion beyond safe angles can lead to which complication?
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Peroneal nerve palsy
Compartment syndrome in calves
Lower back spasms
Sustained lithotomy with bent knees and raised legs can cause leg compartment syndrome from compression and reduced perfusion. Peroneal nerve palsy is more related to knee supports pressing on fibular head.
In prone positioning, which step ensures unrestricted abdominal movement and minimized venous pressure?
Use a flat pillow under the chest
Extend the arms overhead
Add padding under the knees
Place bolsters under the iliac crests
Bolsters under the iliac crests support the body and let the abdomen hang free, reducing intra-abdominal pressure and venous congestion. Flat chest pillows or other supports do not address abdominal compression.
Which indicator confirms correct patient alignment before draping?
One shoulder raised for better access
Neutral spine and symmetrical limb positioning
Pelvis tilted toward the surgeon
Head turned to dominant side
Neutral spine alignment and symmetrical limbs ensure even pressure distribution and reduce nerve/stretch injuries. Tilting pelvis or shoulders asymmetrically increases risk of strain and pressure points.
What is the main purpose of a footboard in the supine position?
Stabilize the abdomen
Elevate the heels for pressure relief
Support the knees for flexion
Prevent patient sliding toward the foot end
A footboard at the end of the table blocks the feet and prevents the patient from sliding towards the foot end, especially when the table is tilted. It does not elevate heels or support knees.
What complication can arise from excessive Trendelenburg positioning in an unstable patient?
Sciatic nerve stretch injury
Periorbital edema
Hypoglycemia
Increased intracranial pressure
Steep Trendelenburg increases venous return from the head, elevating intracranial pressure. While periorbital edema can occur, it is less critical than dangerous intracranial pressure changes.
Which device is most appropriate for immobilizing the head during neurosurgery in the prone position?
Foam donut
Standard pillow
Gel pad under forehead
Doro horseshoe headrest
The Doro horseshoe headrest secures and immobilizes the skull without pressure points, critical for neurosurgical access and spinal alignment. Pillows or gel pads lack rigid immobilization.
When positioning a patient in the lateral decubitus position, what is the correct sequence to prevent vascular compromise?
Logroll the patient, pad torso and limbs, secure with straps
Secure straps first, then logroll with minimal padding
Roll unpadded, then place supports under arm and knee
Pad limbs, roll patient, secure straps after draping
Proper lateral positioning starts with a controlled logroll onto the padded supports, then the torso and limbs are padded and secured with straps. This sequence protects vessels and nerves during transfer.
In steep Trendelenburg, which measure helps minimize facial and airway edema?
Place a rolled towel under the ankles
Use a higher chest roll under the sternum
Tighten abdominal binder
Limit head-down time and use reverse Trendelenburg intermittently
Limiting duration in steep head-down position and intermittently returning toward reverse Trendelenburg reduces venous pooling in the head and limits airway and facial edema. Other measures do not address venous congestion.
Which of the following is a critical risk when the surgical table is unevenly tilted in the lateral position?
Pressure necrosis on dependent hip
Brachial artery laceration
Venous air embolism
Contralateral shoulder strain
Uneven tilt can concentrate pressure on the down-side hip, risking pressure necrosis. Shoulder strain is less likely if padding is used; air embolism and arterial laceration are unrelated to lateral tilt.
During lithotomy positioning, what maximum hip flexion angle is recommended to reduce nerve stretch injuries?
80 degrees
100 degrees
140 degrees
120 degrees
Hip flexion beyond 80 degrees in lithotomy significantly increases tension on the sciatic and femoral nerves. Keeping flexion at or below 80 degrees reduces the risk of nerve stretch injury.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify appropriate surgical table positions for various procedures
  2. Evaluate patient safety measures during table positioning
  3. Apply ergonomic principles in operating room setup
  4. Demonstrate correct use of positioning accessories and supports
  5. Analyse potential complications from improper table alignment
  6. Master best practices for securing patients in common positions

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand Common Surgical Positions - Think of supine as lying on your back and prone as belly-flop style; lithotomy is the classic legs-up-in-stirrups pose, and Trendelenburg tilts the table to shift blood flow - each has its own surgical superpower to boost access and safety. Mastering these is like learning the dance moves of the operating room!
  2. Prioritize Patient Safety Measures - Before you even pick up a scalpel, ensure proper padding and alignment to dodge nerve scrambles and pressure ulcers. A little extra foam under bony areas and a gentle head tilt can transform a risky setup into a rock-solid safety net.
  3. Apply Ergonomic Principles - Surgeons thrive when their bodies are happy, so maintain a neutral spine, keep wrists straight, and tweak equipment height to avoid that "why is my back crying?" moment. Good ergonomics is like a best friend in the OR - less fatigue means sharper focus.
  4. Utilize Positioning Accessories Correctly - Arm boards, stirrups, pads, and bean bags aren't just fancy décor - they're crucial props in the surgery show. Knowing when to deploy each tool keeps limbs supported and patients stable, so you don't end up doing improv surgery!
  5. Recognize Risks of Improper Alignment - Mess up the angle and you risk respiratory distress, nerve palsies, or sluggish circulation - no one wants a side quest in complication-land. Think of alignment as the OR's secret ingredient to keep patients breathing easy and blood flowing smoothly.
  6. Secure Patients Effectively - Safety straps, foam wedges, and shoulder blocks are your OR sidekicks to stop any unexpected shifts when the table tilts or the team leaps into action. It's like strapping in a roller coaster rider, but way more clinical - and definitely less screaming.
  7. Monitor for Position-Related Complications - During surgery, don't play sleepwalker - periodically check for signs of nerve squish, skin redness, or numb toes. Early detection is your superhero power to swoop in and adjust before a minor issue turns into a medical drama.
  8. Adjust for Individual Patient Needs - One size doesn't fit all; consider height, weight, joint flexibility, and pre-existing conditions to customize the setup. It's like tailoring a suit - perfect fit means optimal comfort and top-notch surgical access.
  9. Coordinate with the Surgical Team - Positioning is a group effort - clear communication ensures everyone knows when to tilt, lift, or pad. A quick "thumbs-up" rhythm or a countdown can turn a potential chaos into a well-choreographed OR ballet.
  10. Stay Updated on Best Practices - Guidelines evolve faster than trending memes, so keep reading journals, attending workshops, and chatting with mentors to nail the latest techniques. Continuous learning is your VIP pass to safer surgeries and better outcomes.
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