Getting your patient into the right position

The examination is most easily carried out with the patient lying at about 45 degrees, rather than when he is lying completely flat. Elevate the head of the bed to about 45 degrees and ask your patient if he is comfortable.

AFRIKAANS	TRANSCRIPT	XHOSA
	Hello, / Goeiedag, Meneer (Dame). / Molo Bhuti (Sisi)
	My name is... / My naam is Ronel Smit.. / Igama lam nguThuli
	I am a medical student. / Ek is ?n mediese student. / Ndingumfundi wobugqirha
	How are you today? / Hoe gaan dit (met u) vandag? / Unjani namhlanje?

The examination is most easily carried out with the patient lying at about 45 degrees, rather than when he is lying completely flat. Elevate the head of the bed to about 45 degrees and ask your patient if he is comfortable.

AFRIKAANS	TRANSCRIPT	XHOSA
	I would like to lift the top of your bed. / Ek wil graag die boonste deel van die bed lig. / Ndicela nje ukunyusa ibhedi
	You don?t have to move. / U kan net so l? / Ndicela ukuba ungashukumi
	OK? / Is dit reg met u? / Kulungile?

---

Notice that the semi-erect position is more comfortable for the patient, facilitates eye contact between doctor and patient, and also makes it easier for the doctor to examine the head, neck, eyes, mouth and hands.

---

Remove unnecessary clothing, sheets and blankets. Leave the patient covered by a shirt or nightgown with short sleeves, and cover him with a single sheet leaving the arms exposed. Arrange the bedclothes neatly before you start.

AFRIKAANS	TRANSCRIPT	XHOSA
	That?s better. / Dis beter. / Kubhetele.
	Are you comfortable? / Is u gemaklik? / Uziva kakuhle ke ngoku?