Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 102 of 200

Lateral (side-lying) position with pillows supporting head, back, top arm, and between knees is used to:

a.Compress the dependent shoulder and hip to keep the spine straight
b.Relieve pressure on the sacrum and heels, support proper alignment, and prevent hip adduction
c.Increase aspiration risk by keeping the head of the bed flat
d.Increase pressure over the greater trochanter and the dependent ear

Explanation

Lateral position with appropriate pillow support relieves sacral/heel pressure (alternative to supine in the q2h turning schedule), maintains spinal alignment, and prevents hip adduction (pillow between knees) and shoulder compression (top arm pillow). Bad positioning without supports increases trochanter pressure and shoulder strain. Distractors (a, c, d) describe harms that proper technique prevents. Always check skin at pressure points each turn.

Law Reference: Fundamentals; positioning lateral

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