The nurse is preparing to place a patient in the prone position. What action should the nurse take during the positioning?

Question

a. Place a pillow under both knees.
b. Put a footboard against both feet.
c. Insert a pillow under the abdomen.
d. Straighten the arms at the patient's sides.

Answer 1

C
The nurse places a small pillow under the patient's abdomen when the patient is in the prone po-sition to relieve stress on the lower back. The knees are not elevated with a pillow in the prone position. If excessive pressure on the knees occurs, the entire anterior surface is padded to relieve the pressure, maintain normal body alignment, and prevent hyperextension at the knees. A foot-board is used for patients in the supine position to prevent footdrop. The nurse flexes the pa-tient's arms and positions them at the shoulder level.