Most patients with abdominal pain prefer to?

• A. Sit in a semi-Fowler position with knees slightly bent
• B. Lie on their back with their knees in a flexed position
• C. Sit fully upright because it helps relax the abdominal muscles
• D. Lie on their side with their knees drawn into the abdomen

Answer: (D)

When abdominal pain is present, a position that reduces tension on the abdominal wall and limits movement often brings the most comfort. The fetal position—lying on the side with the knees drawn toward the chest—does exactly that. Curling up decreases the stretch of the abdominal muscles, relaxes the abdominal wall, and can lessen peritoneal irritation, which helps relieve pain and makes it easier for the patient to rest.

Other positions tend to increase discomfort for many abdominal conditions. Sitting upright or in a semireclined posture can stretch the abdomen and worsen pain, while lying flat with the knees flexed doesn’t offer the same reduction in abdominal wall tension as curling up.