To provide privacy, a sterile operative field, and maintain patient dignity, draping is an essential part of preparing for a medical exam. Draping varies from one type of consult to another, as exposing certain body parts for a particular exam is necessary. The most difficult drapings are reported for pelvic and hip examinations, followed by respiratory and cardiovascular exams. In the latter case, for instance, it is not necessary for the patient to expose their entire chest at one time.
If only the lower or upper parts of the body need to be accessible, instruct the patient to remove his or her clothing from the area of the body to be treated, provide a drape sheet for the patient to cover up, and exit the room to allow the patient to prepare for the treatment. For full-body accessibility, consider giving the patient a reusable or disposable patient gown to change into. The idea goal is to keep the amount of skin exposed at a minimum at all times by skillfully using a combination of gowns and drape sheets.