In which position does a patient sit erect at the end of the examination table?

The correct answer is that the patient sits erect at the end of the examination table in the Fowler position. This position involves the patient sitting upright, typically at an angle between 45 and 60 degrees. It is often used for patients who may have difficulty breathing or those undergoing examinations of the chest and upper body. The elevation of the torso helps facilitate lung expansion and can be beneficial for both comfort and accessibility during medical assessments or procedures.

Other positions listed differ significantly in their orientation: the supine position has the patient lying flat on their back, the prone position has the patient lying flat on their stomach, and the sitting position usually refers to a standard seated position without the specific angle or elevation characteristic of Fowler's.