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The correct position for a patient receiving an abdominal exam is the supine position, which involves the patient lying flat on their back. This position allows the examiner easy access to the abdomen, facilitating effective inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation of the abdominal organs. By lying flat, the patient can also relax their abdominal muscles, which helps reduce tension and allows for a more accurate assessment of any potential issues.

In the supine position, the examiner can observe any abdominal distension or asymmetry, and access all quadrants of the abdomen without obstruction. The patient's head should be supported comfortably, and they may be instructed to bend their knees slightly to further relax the abdominal area.

Other positions such as sitting, prone, or Trendelenburg are less optimal for abdominal examination. Sitting may limit access to the abdomen and may cause discomfort for the patient. The prone position, where the patient lies face down, is not suitable for abdominal exams as it obscures the abdominal area entirely. Lastly, the Trendelenburg position, where the patient is on their back but with the legs elevated higher than the head, is typically used in situations involving shock or hypotension, and does not provide a clear view for abdominal assessment.