Which position is used during examination of the female genitalia, with the patient lying on her back and knees bent with feet in stirrups?

• A. Lithotomy
• B. Sims
• C. Dorsal Recumbent
• D. Prone

Answer: (A)

The effectiveness of this position lies in exposing the pelvic area for a vaginal or cervical examination. Lying on the back with hips flexed, knees bent, and legs raised in stirrups provides optimal access and stability, making it easy to insert a speculum, palpate the pelvic organs, and inspect the genital area. This setup is characteristic of the lithotomy position. Other positions place the patient differently: Sims is a side-lying position used for certain rectal or lateral procedures; dorsal recumbent is a back-lying position with knees bent and feet flat but with less pelvic exposure; prone is face-down and not used for genital exams.